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THE 


PSAL M  S 

OF 

DAVID,  IN    METRE 


ALLOWED  BY  THE  AUTHORITY  OF  'LflE  GENERAL 

ASSEMBLY  OF  THE  CHURCH  OF  ^GOTLAND, 

AND  OF  THE  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCHES 

IN  AMERICA. 

WITH  NOTES, 

EXHIBITING  THE  CONNEXION,  EXPLAINING  THE 

SENSE,  AND  FOR  DIRECTING  AND 

ANIMATING    DEVOTION. 

r-B\  JOHN  BROWN, 

PROCESSOR  OF  DII'INIfr,  AND  MINISTER  OF  THE 
GOSPEL  AT  HADDINGTON. 


■  ■  I  will  sing  with  the  spirit,  and  I  will  sing-  With  thr 

-tinderstanding-  also — — 1  Cor.  xiv.  15. 


PITTSBURG : 

PRINTED  AND  SOLD  BY  JOHN  M.  SNOWDEN, 
MARKET-STREET. 


N 


PREFACE. 


O  part  of  the  Christian  worship  is  more  plainly 
warranted  by  the  Oracles  of  God,  than  the  ordinance 
of -the  singing  of  psalms.  The  ancient  Hebrews  prac- 
tised it  at  the  Red  Sea,  before  their  system  of  ceremo- 
nial-Worship  was  prescribed  them  by  God,  Exo.  xv. 
It  was  preferred  to  the  most  pompous  sacrifices,  even 
while  the  ceremonial  observances  remained  in  their  vi- 
gour, Psalm  lxix.  30,  31.  The  divine  obligation  to  it, 
remained  in  full  force,  when'the  ceremonial  law,  with 
all  its  rites,  was  abolished,  Psalms  xlvii.  1,  5,  6,  7. 
Ixvii.  4,  c.  1,  4.  Eph.  v.  19.  with  ii.  14,  15,  Col.  iii,  16, 
with  ii.  16,  17,  James  v.  13.  We  have  it  enforced  with 
the  most  engaging  example  of  the  angels  who  kept  their 
first  estate,  Job  xxxviii.  6,  7.  Luke  ii.  13.  14.  Rev.  v. 
1 1 .  J  2. — Of  apostles  and  saints,  Acts  xvi.  25.  1  Cor.  xiv . 
15.  Exod.  xv.  Judges  v.  Luke  i.  1  Sam.  ii.  Isa.  xxxv. 
10.  Jer.  xxxi.  12.  Rev.  iv.  8,  9.  and  v.  9,  10.  vii. 
10.  12.  xiv.  3.  xv.  3.  xix.  1-^7.  Nay,  of  our  Redeem- 
er himseif,  Matth.  xxvi.  30.  This  exercise,  performed 
in  a  manner  suited  to  the  dignity  of  the  glorified  state, 
will  be  the  everlasting  employ  of  established  angels  and 
ransomed  men,  Isa.  xxvi.  19.  Ii.  11.  Rev.  v.  9 — 13. 

Nor  is  this  exercise  of  inconsiderable  usefulness.  The 
whole  glories  of  Jehovah^  as  made  known  to  creatures, 
and  all  the  wonders  of  his  creating  power,  his  redeem- 
ing love,  and  providential  care,  belong  to  its  exten- 
sive theme.  It  is  an  excellent  means  of  conveying  holy 
instructions,  Col.  iii.  16.  of  inspiring  heavenly  affections, 
Psalm  lvii.  7,  8.  of  recreating  holy  souls,  James  v.  13. 
and,  in  fine,  of  bearing  up  and  comforting  amidst  grief 
and  trouble,  Acts  xvi.  25.  Psalm  cxix.  54.  and  hence  it  is- 
seasonable,  not  only  in  this  valley  of  tears,  but  even  in  the 
most  distressful  condition*  Psalm  ci.  l.IIab.iii.  17.  18. 

It  is  a  duty  which  ought  to  be  practised  by  every  per- 
son in  secret  by  himself,  James  v.  13.  Psalm  cxix.  62, 
164.  By  every  Christian  family  and  society ,  Psal 
Cxviii.  15.  Acts  xvi.  25.     And  in  c>erv  public  v,rors/f 


\ 


w  PRE  F  A  C  E. 

ing  assembly  and  congregation,  Isa.  xxxv.  1,2,  6,  10. 
and  iiii.  7,' 8,  9.  and  liv.  1.  Eph.  v.  19.  Col.  iii.  16'. 
Matth.  xxvi.  30.  1.  Cor.  xiv.  26.  Rev.  v-9.  10.  xiv.  3. 
xv.  3. 

This  duty  being  of  so  much  importance,  we  ought  to 
perform  it  under  the  special  influence  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
1  Cor.  xiv.  15.  John  iv.  24;  With  understanding  of 
the  warrantableness,  matter,  manner,  and  end  of  our 
praise,  Psalm  xlvii.  6,  7.  1  Cor.  xiv.  15.  With  an  holy- 
ardour  of  affection  and  vigour  of  mind,  Psalm  lvii.  10. 
and  ciii.  1,  2.  With  grace  in  our  heart,  making  melody 
therein  to  the  Lord,  Eph.  v.  19.  Col.  iii.  16.  In  the 
name  of  Christ  as  Mediator  between  God  and  us,  Col. 
iii.  16,  17.  1  Pet.  ii.  5.  and  with  an  earnest  aim  to  glorify 
God,  Col.  iii.  16.  1  Pet.  iv.  11.  1  Cor.  x.  31—  The  mat- 
ter ought  to  be  prudently  suited  to  our  occasions  and  con- 
ditions, Psalm  cxii.  5.  Eph.  v.  15.  Nor  ought  the  melo- 
dy, or,  in  social  worship,  the  harmony  of  voices  to  be 
overlooked,  Psalm  ci. 

No  doubt,  one  may  compose  spiritual  hymns  for  his 
own  and  others'  religious  recreation  :  but  to  admit  forms 
of  human  composure  into  the  stated  and  public  worship 
of  God,  appears  to  me  very  improper.  (1)  It  is  extreme- 
ly dangerous.  Heresies  and  errors  by  this  means,  may, 
and  often  have  been  very  insensibly  introduced  into  church- 
es, congregations  or  families.  (2)  There  is  no  need  of  it. 
The  Holy  Ghost  hath,  in  the  Psaims  of  David,  and  other 
scriptural  songs,  furnished  us  with  such  a  rich  collection 
of  gospel  doctrines  and  precious  promises — an  extensive 
fund  cf  solid  experiences — an  exhaustless  mine  of  gospel- 
grace  and  truth — an  endless  variety  to  suit  every  state  or 
condition,  in  which  either  our  own  soul,  or  the  church  of 
Christ,  can  be  upon  earth.  These  were  framed  by  him 
who  searcheth  the  hearts,  and  knows  the  deep  things  of 
God  ;  and  hence  must  be  better  adapted  to  the  case  of 
souls  or  societies,  than  any  private  composition  whatev- 
er. (3)  Though  the  Holy  Ghost  never  saw  meet  to  leave 
bs  a  liturgy  of  prayers  ;  yet  from  the  poetical  composi- 
tion thereof,  it  is  plain  he  intended  these  psalms  and  songs 
ibr  a  standing  form  of  praise  in  the  church.  It  is  certain 
they  were  used  in  this  manner  under  the  Old  Testament. 
The  Holy  Ghost  hath,  under  the  New,  plainly  directed  us 
•  e  use  hereof,  Col. iii.  1 6.  Eph.  v,  19.     The  Psjlus. 


PREFACE.  % 

HrtiNS,  and  Spiritual  Song s,  there  recommended, 
are  plainly  the  same  with  the  Mizmoeem,  Tehillix, 
and  Shibim,  mentioned  in  the  Hebrew  titles  of  David's 
Psalms,  iii.  iv.  v.  kc.  cxlv.  cxx. — cxx-xiv. 

It  hath  been  pretended,  the  language  and  manner  of 
these  psalms  are  not  suited  to  the  spiritual  nature  of  our 
gospel-worship.  That,  however,  may  as  well  be  urged 
against  the  reading  of  them,  as  against  the  singing  of 
them  :  Nay,  against  the  reading  of  a  great  part  of  the  Old 
Testament  in  our  Christian  worship.  It  is  certain  many 
passages  in  the  book  of  Psalms,  or  of  other  scripture -songs  r 
are  expressive  of  the  exercises  of  faith,  repentance,  love, 
or  the  like  graces,  which  still  remain  of  the  same  form 
as  under  the  Old  Testament.  The  predictions  are  either 
accomplished,  and  so  may  be  sung  to  the  honour  of  God's 
mercy  and  faithfulness  ;  or,  if  not  accomplished,  may  be 
sung  in  the  hopes  that  God  will  accomplish  them  in  his 
time.  The  history  of  what  God  did  for  his  Jewish  ser- 
vants and  church,  may  be  sung  with  admiration  of  his 
love,  wisdom,  power,  and  grace  therein  manifested.  It 
is  further  to  be  considered,  that  much  of  what  related  to 
David,  or  the  Jewish  church,  was  typical  of  the  character 
and  concerns  of  Jesus  Christ  and  the  gospel-church  ;  antl 
so  ought  to  be  sung  with  a  special  application  thereto. 

As  for  those  psalms  which  contain  denunciations 
of  divine  vengeance  upon  the  enemies  of  God  and  his 
church,  we  are  to  consider,  that  these  expressions  were 
dictated  by  the  infallible  Spirit  of  God ;  that  the  objects 
of  them  were  foreseen  to  be  irreconcilable  enemies  of 
Christ  and  his  church  ;  that  those  who  sing  them,  only 
applaud  the  equity  of  the  doom  which  God  hath  justly 
pronounced  upon  such  offenders  ;  and  that  they  are  to  be 
sung  with  a  full  persuasion  of  the  event,  as  a  certain, 
awful  and  just  display  of  the  glory  and  tremendous  jus- 
tice of  Jehovah.  Though  we  ought,  therefore,  never 
to  apply  them  to  particular  parties  or  persons  who  have 
injured  us,  yet  to  decline  using  them,  out  of  a  pretence 
of  charity,  is  to  suppose  ourselves  wiser  than  him 
whose  understanding  is  infinite,  and  more  merciful  than 
the  Father  of  mercies,  who  is  full  of  compassion,  and 
delighteth  in  mercy.  Moreover,  as  these  external  ene- 
mies, devoted  to  destruction,  were  in  some  sense  ernb1- 
matical  of  our  spiritual  enemies,  within  or  withoir 

A  a 


n  PREFACE. 

the  passages  may  be  sung  with  application  to  ourselves, 
•  as  directed  against  these  principalities  and  flowers,  and 
tfiiritnal  wickednesses,  in  high  places,  with  wham  we 
have  to  wrestle,  while  on  earth,  Eph.  vi.  10 — 19.  1  Pet, 
V.  8,  9,  Rom.viii.  13,  Gal.  v.  17—24. 

The  book  of  Psalms  is  one  of  the  most  extensive  and 
useful  in  holy  scripture,  as  it  is  every  where  suited  to 
the  case  of  the  saints.  It  is,  at  first,  much  mixed  with 
complaints  and  supplications,  and  at  last  issues  in  pure 
and  lasting  praise.  That  Heman  composed  Psalm 
lxxxviii.  Ethan  lxxxix.  and  Moses  xc.  is  certain. — 
Whether  those  under  the  name  of  Asaph  were  mostly 
penned  by  him,  or  only  assigned  to  be  sung  by  him  as 
a  master  cf  the  temple  music,  as  others  were  to  Jedu- 
thun  or  to  the  sons  of  Koran,  or  other  chief  musicians, 
we  cannot  determine.  Some,  as  Psalms  lxxiv.  Jxxix. 
exxvi.  and  cxxxvii.  appear  to  have  been  composed  after 
the  begun  captivity  to  Babylon ;  but  by  whom  we  know 
not.  The  rest  including  those  two  marked  with  the 
name  of  Solomon,  might  be  composed  ty  David,  the 
sweet  psalmist  of  Isiael.* 

Twenty-five  of  the  Psalms  have  no  title  at  all ;  and 
whether  the  titles  cf  the  rest  are  of  divine  authority  is 
not  altogether  agreed.  But  when  it  is  considered  that 
these  titles  every  where  appear  in  the  Hebrew  originals, 
and  how  often  they  serve  as  a  key  to  the  psalm,  and 
are  sometimes  connected  therewith  by  the  accentuating 
points,  there  is  no  real  ground  to  suspect  the  authentici- 
ty thereof.     Nor  are  interpreters  agreed  with  respect 

*  That  the  Hebrew  originals  are  composed  in  a  metrical 
form,  hath  been  almost  universally  agreed.  But  the  laws 
and  measures  of  the  poetry  have  not  yet  been  clearly  ascer- 
tained. It  is  not  even  reasonable  to  insist,  they  should  corres- 
pond with  those  of  the  Greeks  or  Romans  and  other  nations 
of  the  west,  whose  idioms  and  maimer  of  language  are  so 
remarkably  different.  It  is  certain,  they  as  little  agree  with 
those  of  the  dull  and  insipid  rhymes  composed  by  the  Jewish 
Rabbins.  Some  of  the  psalms,  no  doubt,  for  the  more  easy 
retention  thereof  in  the  memory,  are  composed  of  verses  or 
sentences  beginning  according  to  the  order  of  the  Hebrew 
alphabet.  In  this  order  every  sentence  of  the  111th  and  112th 
psalms  begins  with  a  new  letter.  Almost  every  verse  of  the 
25th,  34th,  and  145th  begins  in  the  same  order.  But  in 
the  119th,  every  eight  verses  begin  with  the  same  Hebrew 
letter  in  the  like  alphabetical  order. 


PREFACE.  vii 

to  the  signification  of  some  of  the  Hebrew  words  stand- 
ing in  these  titles.  We  think  that  mascuil  always  sig- 
nifies that  the  psalm  is  designed  for  instruction,  Psalms 
xxxii.  xlii.  xliii.  xlv.  lii.  liii.  liv.  lv.  lxxiv.  lxxviii.  lxxxviii. 
Ixxxix.  Mic  fir  am  denotes  the  /irecious  ov  golden  nature 
of  the'psalm,  as  xvi.  hi.  — Ix.  alTaschith  that  the 
scope  of  the  psalm  is  to  deprecate  destruction,  lvii. — lix. 
MUfHLABBEN,  that  the  psalm  was  composed  on  the  oc- 
casion of  the  death  of  his  son,  or  of  Goliath,  the  dutllist. 
Psalm  ix.  aijelet'h  shahar,  that  its  subject  is  Jesus 
Christ,  the  hind  of  the  morning,  Psalm  xxii.  jos7A<rH- 
eli:,i-rechokim,  that  David  is  therein  represented  as  a 
mute  dove  among  foreigners,  Psalm  lvi.  shosannim  ; 
shoshannimedu'Th  ;  or  s hu sas-eduYh  :  may  either 
signify  that  Christ  and  his  people  who  are  lilies,  or  li- 
lies of  the  congregation  or  testimony,  are  the  subject  of 
it ;  or  that  it  was  sung  on  an  instrument  of  six  strings, 
Psalm  xlv.  Ix.  lxix.  lxxx.  as  shemini'i'h  denotes  an  in- 
strument of  eight  strings,  Psalms  vi.  xii.  mahalaTh 
may  either  signify  the  disease,  and  mahalaTh  lea- 
noTh  the  afflicting  disease,  or  MABALATa  may  sig- 
nify a  wind  instrument  of  music,  Psalms  iiii.  lxxxviii. 
NeginaTh  and  neginoTh  denote  stringed  instruments 
of  music,  Psalms  iv.  lxi.  &c.  XehiloTh  wind-ones, 
Psalm  v.  Gim-TH.  a  musical  instrument  or  tune  invent- 
ed at  Gath,  Psalms  viii.  Ixxxi.  Ixxxiv.  Jlamo-th  the 
■virginals,  or  a  song  to  be  sung  by  the  virgins,  Psalm 
xlvi.  Shiggaiox,  or  shigionoth,  may  denote  the  di- 
versified matter  or  tune  of  the  psalm,  Psalm  vii.  The 
cxxth,  and  fourteen  next  following,  are  called  Soxgs  of 
Degrees,  perhaps  because  they  were  sung  on  the  dif- 
ferent steps  of  the  temple  stairs  ;  or  were  sung  at  cer- 
tain halts  made  by  David  and  the  Iraelites,  when  they 
brought  up  the  ark  of  God  from  Kirjath:jearim  to  Jeru- 
salem ;  or  were  sung  by  the  Hebrews  at  their  different 
rests,  when  they  came  up  from  the  country  to  their  three 
solemn  feasts  ;  or  were  partly  sung  by  the  Jews  at  their 
different  haits,  in  their  return  from  Babylon. 

The  Hebrews  divided  this  book  intone,  ending  with 
Psalms  xli.  lxxii.  Ixxxix.  cvi.  and  cl.  the  first  four  of 
which  are  concluded  with  amen.  Interpreters  have  at- 
tempted to  arrange  or  class  the  Psalms  into  a  variety  of 
different  forms :  To  me  it  appears  not  improper,  to  di§- 


viii  PREFACE. 

languish  them  into  I.  Instructive,  which  arc  either (l) 
Historical,  relating  what  God  had  done  for  the  psalm- 
ist  or  for  the  Jewish  nation,  isfe.  as  psalms  xviii.  lxviii. 
Ixxviii.  civ.  cv.  cvi.  cxiv.  exxxv.  exxxvi.  most  of  which 
are  also  Eucharistic.  Or  (2)  Doctrinal,  declaring 
and  explaining  the  principles  and  duties  of  religion,  as 
Psalms  i.  xiv.  xv.  xix.  xxxvi.  xxxvii.  xlix.  1.  liii.  ixiv. 
Ixxvi.  ixxvii.  Ixxviii.  lxxxi.  lxxxii.  xc.  ci.  cxii.  cxix. 
exxvii.  exxxi.  exxxiii.  exxxix.  II.  Prophetic,  fore- 
telling events  relative  to  Christ  or  his  church,  as  Psalms 
ii.  viii.  xvi.  xxi.  xxii.  xxiv.  xxix.  xl.  xlv.  xlvii.  xiviii. 
Ixvii.  lxviii.  lxix.  lxxii.  lxxxvii.  lxxxix.  xciii.  xcv. 
xevi.  xevii.  xeviii.  c  ex.  exvii.  exxxii.  cxlix.  not  a  few 
of  which  are  also  Eucharistic.  III.  Consolatory, 
in  which  the  psalmist  comforts  himself  and  others  in 
the  promises,  perfections,  or  works  of  God,  as  Psalms 
iv.  xv.  xx Hi.  xxvii.  xxxi.  xxxvii.  xlvi.  Iviii.  Ixxiii. 
xci.  exxi.  exxv.  ex  xviii.  ex  xix.  IV.  Petitory,  in 
which  he  bewails  his  own,  or  the  churches  condition, 
and  supplicates  deliverance,  as  Psalms  Hi.  v.  vi.  vii.  x. 
xii.  xiii.  xvii.  xx.  xxv.  xxvi.  xxvii.  x xviii.  xxxv. 
xxxviii.  xli.  xlii.  xliii.  xliv.  ii.  Uv.  Iv.  Ivii.  lix.  Lx.  lxir 
Ixiii.lxiv.  Ixx.  Ixxi.  Ixxiv.  Ixxix.  Ixxx.  Ixxxiii.  Ixxxv. 
IxxxvL  Ixxxviii.  cii.  cix.  cxx.  exxiii  exxx.  exxxii. 
exxxvii.  cxl.  cxli.  cxlii.  exliii.  Seven  of  these,  in  which 
the  psalmist  makes  confession  of  his  sin,  viz.  Psalms 
vi.  xxxii.  xxxviii.  Ii.  cii.  exxx.  exliii.  are  called  Peni- 
tential. V.  Eucharistic,  in  which  he  stirs  up  him- 
self and  others  to  praise  and  thank  the  Lord,  for  his  fa- 
vours. As  Psalms  ix.  xviii.  xxx.  xxxiii.  xxxiv.  lx.  Ixv. 
lxviii.  xcix.  eiii.  civ.  cv.  cvi.  cvii.  eviii.  exi.  cxiii.  cxv.  exvi 
cXvii  c xviii.  exxii.  exxiv.  exxxi.  exxxiv  exxxv.  exxxvi. 
exxxviii.  cxliv.  cxlv.  cxlvi.  cxlvii.  cxlviii.  cxlix.  cL 
But  indeed  historical  narratives,  doctrinal  instructions, 
prophecies,  consolations,  supplications,  praises,  and 
thanksgivings,  are  often  so  pleasantly  and  profitably  con- 
nected, in  the  same  psalm,  that  it  is  difficult  to  assign  it 
to  one  class,  rather  than  to  another.  And  what  is  his- 
torical, as  it  relates  to  David  and  the  Jewish  church, 
is  often  typical,  and  so  prophetic  as  it  relates  to  Je» 
sus  Christ  and  the:  gospel-church  or  heavenly  state, 
Many  too,  of  the  supplications  respecting  deliver- 
ances from,  or  the  destruction  of  enemies,  are  to  be  con* 


r^*>^ 


PREFACE.  i* 

sidered  as  real  predictions  of  the  events  ;  they  being 
dictated  by  the  inspiration  of  him  who  can  declare  the 
end  from  the  beginning. 


Extract  from  Bishop.  Hornl's  Preface  to  hte  Commex;- 
tanj  on  the  Psalms. 

A  WORK  of  the  utmost  importance  still  remains, 
which  is  the  business  of  Theology  to  undertake  and  exe- 
cute ;  since,  with  respect  to  the  Old  Testament,  and 
the  Psalter  more  especially,  a  person  may  attain  a  critical 
and  grammatical  knowledge  of  them,  and  yet  continue 
a  Jew,  with  a  veil  upon  his  heart ;  an  utter  stranger  to 
that  sense  of  the  holy  books,  evidently  intended,  in  such 
a  variety  of  instances,  to  bear  testimony  to  the  Saviour 
of  the  world  ;  that  sense,  which  is  stiled,  by  the  divines, 

the  PROPHETICAL,  EVANGELICAL,  MYSTICAL,  01'  SPI- 
RITUAL sense. 

It  may  not  be  amiss,  therefore,  to  run  through  the 
Psalter,  and  point  out  some  of  the  more  remarkable  pas- 
sages, which  are  cited  from  thence  by  our  Lord  and  his 
apostles,  and  applied  to  matters  evangelical. 

No  sooner  have  we  opened  the  book,  but  the  second 
Psalm  presenteth  itself,  to  all  appearance,  as  an  h»u ju- 
ration hymn,  composed  by  David,  the  anointed  of  Jeho- 
vah, when  by  him  crowned  with  victory,  and  placed  trium- 
phant on  the  sacred  hill  of  Sion.  But  let  us  turn  to  Acts 
iv.  25.  and  there  we  find  the  apostles,  with  one  voice, 
declaring  the  psalm  to  be  descriptive  of  the  exaltation  of 
Jesus  Christ,  and  of  the  opposition  raised  against  bis 
gospel,  both  by  Jew  and  Ge'ntiie. 

In  the  eighth  Psalm  weimagii.e  the  writer  to  be  setting 
forth  the  pre-eminence  of  man  in  general,  above  the  rest 
of  the  creation  ;  but  by  Heb.  ii.  6.  we  are  informed  that 
the  supremacy  conferred  on  the  second  Adam,  the  man 
Christ  Jesus,  over  all  things  in  heaven  and  earth,  is  the 
subject  there  treated  of. 

St.  Peter  stands  up,  Acts  ii,  25.  and  preaches  the  re- 
surrection of  Jesus  from  the  latter  part  of  the  sixteenth 
Psalm  ;  and  lo,  three  thousand  souls  are  converted  by  the 
sermon. 


X  PREFACE. 

Of  the  eighteenth  Psalm  we  arc  told,  in  the  course  of 
the  sacred  history,  2  Sam.  22.  that  "  David  spake  be- 
fore the  Lord  the  words  of  that  song,  in  the  day  that  the 
Lord  delivered  him  out  of  the  hand  cf  all  his  enemies, 
and  out  of  the  hand  of  Saul."  Yet  in  Rom.  15,  9,  the 
50th  verse  of  that  Psalm  is  addueed  as  a  proof,  that* 
*  the  Gentiles  should  glorify  God  for  his  mercy  in  Jesms 
il  Christ,  as  it  is  written,  for  this  cause  will  I  confess  to 
"  thee  among  the  Gentiles  and  sing  unto  thy  name/* 

In  the  nineteenth  Psalm,  David  seems  to  be  speaking 
of  the  material  heavens  and  their  operations  only,  when 
he  says,  "  Their  sound  is  gone  out  into  all  the  earth,  and 
<£  their  words  unto  the  ends  of  the  world."  But  St.  Paul, 
Rom.  10,  18.  quotes  the  passage  to  shew,  that  the  gospel 
had  been  universally  published  by  the  apostles. 

The  twenty-second  Psalm  Christ  appropriated  to  him- 
self, by  beginning  it  in  the  midst  of  his  suffering  on  the 
cross,  "  My  God,  my  God,"  &c.  Three  other  verses 
of  it  are  in  the  New  Testament,  applied  to  him  ;  and  the 
words  of  the  8th  verse  were  actually  used  by  the  chief 
priests  when  they  reviled  him  ;  "  He  trusted  in  God," 
&x.  Matt.  27.  43. 

When  David  saith  in  the  fortieth  Psalm,  "  Sacrifice 
Ci  and  offering  thou  didst  not  desire — Lo  I  come  to  do 
<k  thy  will :"  we  might  suppose  him  only  to  declare,  in 
his  own  person  that  obedience  is  better  than  sacrifice. 
But  from  Heb.  10.  5.  we  learn,  that  Messiah,  in  that 
place,  speaketh  of  his  advent  in  the  flesh,  to  abolish  the 
legal  sacrifices,  and  to  do  away  sin,  by  the  oblation  of 
himself,  once  for  all. 

That  tender  and  pathetic  complaint,  in  the  forty-first 
Psalm,  "  Mine  own  familiar  friend  in  whom  I  trusted, 
«  which  did  eat  of  my  bread,  hath  lift  up  his  heel  against 
■*"  me,'1  undoubtedly  might  be,  and  probably  was,  origi- 
nally uttered  by  David,  upon  the  revolt  of  his  old  friend 
and  counsellor,  Ahitophel,  to  the  party  of  his  rebellious 
son,  Absalom.  But  we  are  certain,  from  John  13.  18. 
that  this  scripture  was  fulfilled,  when  Christ  was  betray- 
ed by  his  apostate  disciple — u  I  speak  not  of  you  all;  I 
know  whom  I  have  chosen  ;  but  that  the  scriptures  may 
be  fulfilled,  he  that  eateth  bread  with  me,  hath  lift  up  his 
iiccl  against  me." 

The  forty -fourth  Psaim  \vc  must  suppose  to  have  beer 


PREFACE.  XI 

written  on  occasion  of  a  persecution  under  which  the 
church  at  that  time  laboured  ;  but  a  verse  of  it  is  cited, 
Rom.  8.  36.  as  expressive  of  what  Christians  were  to 
suffer,  on  their  blessed  master's  account ;  "  as  it  is  writ- 
"  ten,  for  thy  sake  are  we  killed  all  the  day  long  ;  we 
*  are  counted  as  sheep  appointed  to  be  slain." 

A  quotation  from  the  forty-fifth  Psalm  in  Heb.  1.  8. 
certifies  us,  that  the  whole  is  addressed  to  the  Son  of 
'God,  and  therefore  celebrates  his  spiritual  union  with 
the  church,  and  the  happy  fruits  of  it. 

The  sixty-eighth  Psalm,  though  apparently  conversant 
about  Israelitish  victories,  the  translation  of  the  ark  to 
Zion,  and  the  services  of  the  tabernacle,  yet  does,  under 
those  figures,  treat  of  Christ's  resurrection,  his  going  up 
tm  high?  leading  captivity  captive,  pouring  out  the  gifts 
of  the  Spirit,  erecting  his  church  in  the  world,  and  en- 
larging it  by  the  accession  of  the  nations  to  the  faith  ;  as 
will  be  evident  to  any  one  who  considers  the  force  and 
consequence  of  the  apostles  citation  from  it,  Eph.  4.  7> 
S.  '<  Unto  every  one  of  us  is  given  grace,  according  to 
«  the  measure  of  the  gift  of  Christ.  Wherefore  he  saith* 
«  when  he  ascended  up  on  high,  he  led  captivity  captive, 
«  and  gave  gifts  unto  men." 

The  sixty-ninth  Psalm  is  five  times  referred  to  in  the 
gospels,  as  being  uttered  by  the  prophet,  in  the  person 
of  Messiah.  The  imprecations  or  rather  predictions,  at 
the  latter  end  of  it,  are  applied,  Rom.  11.  9,  10.  to  the 
Jews,  and  to  Judas,  Acts  1.  20.  where  the  109  Psalm 
is  also  cited  as  prophetical  of  the  sore  judgments  which 
should  befal  that  arch  traitor,  and  the  wretched  nation, 
of  which  he  was  an  epitome. 

St.  Matthew,  informing  us,  chap,  13.  34.  that  Jesufe 
spake  to  the  multitude  in  parables,  gives  it  as  one  reason 
why  he  did  so,  "  that  it  might  be  fulfilled  which  was  spo- 
"  ken  by  the  prophet ;  Psalm  78.  2.  I  will  open  my 
*  mouth  in  a  parable  :  I  will  utter  things  which  have  beea 
a  kept  secret  from  the  foundation  of  the  world." 

The  ninety-first  Psalm  was  applied,  by  the  tempter,  W 
Messiah  :  nor  did  our  Lord  object  to  the  application,  but 
only  to  the  false  inference,  which  his  adversary  suggested 
from  it,  Matt.  4.  6,  7. 

The  ninety-fifth  Psalm  is  explained  at  large  in  Heb.  S. 
4.  as  relative  to  the  state  and  trial  of  Christians  in  the 
lvorld?  and  to  their  attainment  of  the  heavenly  rest.. 


xij  PREFACE. 

The  hundred  and  tenth  Psalm  is  cited  by  Christ  hint* 
self,  Matt.  22.  44.  as  treating  of  his  exaltation,  kingdom, 
and  priesthood. 

The  hundred  and  seventeenth  Psalm,  consisting  only 
of  two  verses,  is  employed,  Rom.  15.  11.  to  prove  that 
the  Gentiles  were  one  day  to  praise  God  for  the  mercies  of 
redemption. 

The  2  2d  verse  of  the  hundred  and  eighteenth  Psalm, 
"  The  stone  which  the  builders  refused,"  Sec.  is  quoted 
six  different  times  as  spoken  of  our  Saviour. 

And  lastly,  « the  fruit  of  David's  body,"  which  God  is 
said  in  the  hundred  and  thirty  second  Psalm,  to  have  prom- 
ised that  he  would  "  place  upon  his  throne,"  is  asserted. 
Acts  2.  30.  to  be  Jesus  Christ. 

These  citations,  lying  dispersed  through  the  scriptures 
of  the  New  Testament,  are  often  suffered  by  common 
readers  to  pass  unnoticed.  And  many  others  content 
themselves  with  saying,  that  they  are  made  in  a  sense 
of  accommodation,  as  passages  may  be  quoted  from  po- 
ems or  histories  merely  human,  for  the  illustration  of 
truths  of  which  their  authors  never  thought. 

But  not  to  enquire,  at  present,  whether  passages  are  not 
sometimes  cited  in  this  manner,  surely  no  one  can  atten- 
tively review  the  above  collection  of  New  Testament  ci- 
tations from  the  book  of  Psalms,  as  they  have  been  placed 
together  before  him,  without  perceiving,  that  the  Psalms 
are  written  upon  a  divine*  preconcerted,  prophetical  plan, 
and  contain  much  more,  than,  at  first  sigh),  they  appear 
to  do.  The  are  beautiful  without,  but  all  glorious  within, 
like  "  appies  of  gold  in  pictures,  or  nett-work  cases  of 
silver."  Prov.  25.  11.  The  brightness  of  the  casket  at- 
tracts our  attention,  till,  through  it,  upon  a  nearer  -ap- 
proach, we  discover  its  contents.  And  then,  indeed,  it 
may  be  said  lo  have  "  no  glory,  by  reason  of  the  glory  that 
so  far  exGelleth."  Very  delightful  and  profitable  they 
are,  in  tKeir  literal  and  historical  sense,  which  w<  11  repay- 
eth  all  the  pains  taken  to  come  at  it.  But  that  once  ob- 
tained, a  farther  scene  begins  to  open  upon  us,  and  all 
the  blessings  of  the  gospel  present  themselves  to  the  eye 
of  faith.  So  that  the  expositor  is  as  a  traveller  ascending, 
an  eminence,  neither  unfruitful,  nor  unpleasant ;  at  the 
top  of  which  when  he  is'an  ived,  h#e  beholds,  like  Moses 
f;w*  the  summit  of  mount  Nebo,  a  more  lovely  and  ex- 


PREFACE.  xiii 

tensive  prospect  lying  beyond  it,  and  stretching  away  to 
the  utmost  bounds  of  the  everlasting  hills.  He  sees  ral- 
lies covered  over  with  corn,  blooming  gardens,  and  ver- 
dant meadows,  with*  flocks  and  herds  feeding  by  rivers  of 
water :  till,  ravished  with  the  sight,  he  cries  out,  as  St. 
Peter  did,  at  the  view  of  his  master's  glory,  "  It  is  good 
to  be  here  1" 

It  is  obvious,  that  every  part  of  the  Psalter,  when  ex- 
plicated according  to  this  scriptural  and  primitive  method 
is  rendered  universally  "  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  re- 
"  proof,  for  correction,  for  instruction  in  righteousness  ;" 
and  the  propriety  immediately  appears  of  its  having  al- 
ways been  used  in  the  devotional  way,    both  by  the  Jew- 
ish and  the  Christian  church.     With  regard  to  the  Jew^, 
bishop  Chandler  very  pertinently  remarks,  that    "  they 
"  must  have  understood  David  their  prince  to  have  been 
"  a  figure  of  Messiah.     They  would  not  otherwise  have 
"  made  his  Psalms  part  of  their  daily  worship,  nor  would 
"  David  have  delivered  them  to  the  church  to  be  so  em- 
"  ployed,  were  it  not  to  instruct  and  support  them  in  the 
"  knowledge  and  belief  of  this  fundamental  article.     Was 
«  the  Messias  not  concerned  in  the  Psalms,  it  were  ab- 
"  surd  to  celebrate,  twiee  a  day  in  their  pubiic  devotions, 
11  the  events  of  one  man's  life,  who  was  deceased  so  long 
"  ago,  as  to  have  no  relation  now  to  the  Jews,  and  the 
»'  circumstances  of  their  affairs  j  or  to  transcribe  whole 
<<  passages  from  them  into  their  prayers  for  the  coming  of 
«  the  Messiah."     Upon  the  same   principle,  it  is  easiiy 
seen,  th^t  the  objections,  which  may  seem  to  lie  against 
the   use  of  Jewish  services  in   Christian   congregations, 
cease  at  once.     Thus,  it  may  be  said,  Are  we  concerned 
with  the  affairs  of  David  and  of  Is  ael  ?   Have  we  any 
thin;    to /:o  with  the  ark  and  the  temple  ?    They   are  no 
raqi  e.     Are  we  to  go  up  to  Jerusalem  and  to  worship  on 
Sen  ?  They   are  desolated,  and  trodden  under  foot  by 
the  Turks.     Are  we  to  sacrifice  young  bullocks,  accord- 
ing to  the   law  ?   The  law  is  abolished,  never  to  be  ob- 
served again.     Do  we  pray  for  victory  over  Moab,  Eciom, 
and  Philisiia  ;  or- for  deliverance  from  Babylon  ?  There 
.arc  no  such  nations,  no  such  places  in  the  world.     What 
then  do  we  mean,  when,  taking  such  expressions  into 
our  mouths,  we  utter  them  in  our  own  persons,  as  parts 
•of  our  devotions,  before  God  r  Assuredly  we  must  mean 

B 


xiv  PREFACE. 

a  spiritual  Jerusalem  and  Sion  ;  a  spiritual  ark  and  tern- 
pie  ;  a  spiritual  law  ;  spiritual  sacrifices  ;  and  spiritual 
victories ;  spiritual  enemies ;  all  described  under  the 
old  names,  which  are  still  retained,  though  "  old  things 
"  are  passed  away,  and  all  things  are  to  become  new." 
By  substituting  Messiah  for  David,  the  gospel  for  the 
law,  the  church  Christian  for  that  of  Israel,  and  the  ene- 
mies of  the  one  for  those  of  the  other,  the  Psalms  are 
made  our  own.  Nay,  they  are  with  more  fulness  and 
propriety  applied  now  to  the  substance,  than  they  were 
of  old  to  the  "  shadow  of  good  things  then  to  come." 
And,  therefore,  ever  since  the  commencement  of  the 
Christian  sera,  the  church  hath  chosen  to  celebrate  the 
-gospel  mysteries  in  the  words  of  these  ancient  hymns,  ra- 
ther than  to  compose  for  that  purpose  new  ones  of  her 
own.  For  let  it  not  pass  unobserved,  that  when,  upon 
the  first  publication  of  the  gospel,  the  apostles  had  oc- 
casion to  utter  their  transports  of  joy,  on  their  being 
counted  worthy  to  suffer  for  the  name  of  their  dear  Lord 
and  master  which  was  then  opposed  by  Jew  and  Gentile, 
they  break  forth  into  an  application  of  the  second  Psalm 
to  the  transactions  then  before  their  eyt  s.  See  Acts  iv. 
25.  The  primitive  Christians  constantly  followed  this 
method  in,  their  devotions :  and,  particularly,  when  de- 
livered out  of  the  hands  of  persecuting  tyrants,  by 
the  victories  of  Constantine,  they  praised  God  for  his 
goodness,  and  the  glorious  success  and  establishment 
of  Christ's  religion,  no  words  were  found  so  exquisitely 
adapted  to  the  purpose,  as  those  of  David,  in  the  96,  98, 
and  other  Psalms — "  Sing  unto  the  Lord  a  new  song : 
"  sing  unto  the  Lord  all  the  earth.  Sing  unto  the  Lord 
"  and  praise  his  name  :  be  telling  of  his  salvation  from  day 
"  to  day.  Declare  his  honor  unto  the  Heathens,  his  wor- 
"  snip  unto  all  people." — &c.  Sec.  &c.  In  these  and  the 
like  Psalms,  we  continue  to  praise  God,  for  all  his  spi- 
ritual mercies  in  Christ,  to  this  day. 

The  Psalms,  thus  applied,  have  advantages  Which  no 
fresh  compositions,  however  finely  executed,  can  possibly 
have  ;  sinee  besides  their  incomparable  fitness  to  express 
our  sentiments,  they  are,  at  the  same  time,  memorials  of 
and  appeals  to  former  mercies  and  deliverances  ;  they  , 
are  acknowledgments  of  prophecies  accomplished;  they 
point  out  the  connection  between  the  old  Mid  new  dispen- 


PREFACE.  xv 

sations,  thereby  teaching  us  to  admire  and  adore  the  wis- 
dom of  God  displayed  in  both,  and  furnishing,  while  v»*e 
read  or  sing  them,  an  inexhaustable  variety  of  the  noblest 
matter  that  can  engage  the  contemplations  of  man. 

Very  few  of  the  Psalms,  comparatively,  appear  to  be 
simply  prophetical,  and  to  belong  only  to  Messiah,  with- 
out the  intervention  of  any  other  person.  Most  of  them, 
it  is  apprehended,  have  a  double  sense,  which  stands  up- 
on this  ground  and  foundation,  that  the  ancient  patriarchs, 
prophets,  priests,  and  kings,  were  typical  characters, 
in  their  several  offices,  and  in  the  more  remarkable  pas- 
sages of  their  lives,  their  extraordinary  depressions,  and 
miraculous  exaltations,  forshewing  him  who  was  to  arise, 
as  the  head  of  the  holy  family,  the  great  Prophet,  the 
true  Priest,  the  everlasting  King.  The  Israeiitish  poli- 
ty, and  the  law  of  Moses  were  purposely  framed  after  the 
example  and  shadow  of  things  spiritual  and  heavenly  ; 
and  the  events  which  happened  to  the  ancient  people  of 
God,  were  designed  to  shadow  out  parallel  occurrences, 
which  should  afterwards  take  place,  in  the  accomplish- 
ment of  man's  redemption,  and  the  vise  and  progress  of 
the  Christian  church.  For  this  reason,  the  Psaims  com- 
posed for  the  use  of  Israel,  and  Israel's  monarch,  and  by 
them  accordingly  used  at. the  time,  do  admit  of  an  appli- 
cation to  us,  who  are  now  "  the  Israel  of  God,"  and  to 
our  Redeemer,  who  is  the  King  of  this  Israel. 

Nor  will  tills  seem  strange  to  us,  if  we  reflect,  that 
the  sam:j  divine  person,  who  inspired  the  Psaims,  did 
a1.-:  foreknow  and  predispose  ail  events,  of  which  he  in- 
tended them  to  treat.  And  hence  it  is  evident,  that  the. 
spiritual  sense  is,  and  must  be  peculiar  to  the  Scrip- 
tures ;  because  of  those  persons  and  transactions  only, 
which  are  there  mentioned  and  recorded,  en  it  be  af- 
firmed for  certain,  that  they  were  designed  to  be  figura- 
tive. 

What  is  said  in  the  Psalms  occasionally  of  the  hw  and 
its  ceremonies,  sacrifices,  ablutions,  and  purifications  ; 
of  the  tabernacle  and  temple,  wijth  the  serv.ces  therein 
pei formed,  and^of  the  Aaronical  priesthood;  all  this 
Christians  transfer  to  the  new  law  ;  to  the  oblation  of 
Christ ;  to  justification  by  his  blood,  and  sanctlfication 
by  his  Spirit ;  to  the  true  tabernacle,  or  temple,  not 
made  with  hands  ;  and  to  what  was  therein  done  for  the 


Snri  PREFACE. 

salvation  of  the  world,  by  him  who  was  in  one  respect,  tt 
sacrifice  ;  in  another  a  temple  ;  and  in  a  third,  an  high 
priest  forever,  after  the  order  of  Melchisedeck.  That 
such  was  the  intention  of  these  legal  figures,  is  declared 
at  large  in  the  Epistle  to  the  Hebrews :  and  they  are  of 
great  assistance  tons  now,  in  forming  our  ideas  of  the 
realities  to  which  they  correspond.  "  Under  the  Jewish 
"  ceconomy,"  says  the  excellent  Mr.  Pascal,  "  truth  ap- 
¥  peared  but  in  figure  ;  in  Heaven  it  is  open,  and  without 
"  a  veil  ;  in  the  church  militant  it  is  so  veiled,  as  to  be 
"  yet  discerned  by  its  correspondence  to  the  figure.  As 
"  the  figure  was  first  built  upon  the  truth,  so  the  truth. is 
"  now  distinguishable  by  the  figure." 

Let  us  stop  for  a  moment  to  contemplate  the  true  cha- 
racter of  these  sacred  hymns. 

Greatness  confers  no  exempiicn  from  the  cares  and 
sorrows  of  life.  Its  share  of  them  frequently  bears  a  me- 
lancholy proportion  to  its  exaltation.  This  the  Israelitish 
monarch  experienced.  He  sought  in  piety  that  peace 
which  he  could  not  find  in  empire,  and  alleviated  the  dis- 
quietudes of  state  with  the  exercises  of  devotion. 

His  invaluable  Psalms  convey  those  comforts  to  others, 
which  they  afforded  to  himself.  Composed  upon  partic- 
ular occasions,  yet  designed  for  general  use;  delivered 
out  as  services  for  Israelites  under  the  law,  yet  no  less 
adapted  to  the  circumstances  of  Christians  under  the  gos- 
pel ;  they  present  religion  to  us  in  the  most  engaging 
dress  ;  communicating  truths  which  philosophy  could  ne- 
ver investigate,  in  a  style  which  poetry  can  never  equal  ; 
while  history  is  made  the  vehicle  of  prophecy,  and  crea- 
tion lends  all  its  charms  to  paint  the  glories  of  redemp- 
tion. Calculated  alike  to  pi  out,  and  to  please,  they  in- 
form the  understanding,  elevate  the  affections,  end  enter- 
tain the  imagination.  Indited  under  the  influence  of 
Him,  to  whom  ail  hearts  aie  know!),  and  ail  events  fore- 
known, they  suit  mankind  in  ail  situations,  grateful  as  the 
manna  which  descended  from  above,  and  conformed  it- 
self to  every  palate.  The  fairest  productions  of  human 
wit,  after  a  few  perusals,  like  gathered  flowers,  wither 
in  our  hands,  and  lose  their  fragrant  y  ;  but  these  unfa- 
ding plants  of  paradise  become,  as  we  are  accustomed 
to  them,  still  more  and  more  beautiful  ;  their  bloom  ap- 
pears to  be  daily  heightened  ;  fresh  odours  are  emitted. 


PR  EFACE.  xvii 

and  new  sweets  extracted  from  them.  He  who  hatl^ 
once  tasted  their  excellencies,  will  desire  to  taste  them 
again ;  and  he  wno  tastes  them  oftencst,  will  relish  them 
best. 


That  the  reader  may  the  more  easily  turn  to  such  Psalms 
as  will  best  suit  the  present  state  of  his  mind,  accord- 
ing to  the  different  circumstances,  whether  ex- 
ternal or  internal,  into  which,  by  the  changes,  of 
life,  or  the  variations  of  temper  and  disposition,  he 
may,  at  any  time,  be  thrown,  the  common  table  of 
Psalms,  classed  under  tneir  several  subjects,  is  here 
subjoined. 

Praters. 

1.  Prayers  for  pardon  of  sin.  Psalm  6,  25,  38,  51, 
130.  Psalms  stiled  Penitential  6,  32,  38,  51,  102, 
130,    143. 

2.  Prayers  composed  when  the  Psalmist  was  deprived  of 
an  opportunity  of  the  public  exercise  of  religion.  Psalm 
42,  43,   63,    84, 

3.  Prayers  wherein  the  Psalmist  seems  extremely  deject- 
ed, though  not  totally  deprived  of  consolation  under 
his  afflictions.  Psalm  13,  22,  69,  77,  88,    143. 

4.  Prayers  wherein  the  Psalmist  asketh  help  of  God,  in 
consideration  of  his  own  integrity,  and  the  uprightness 
of  his  cause.  Psalm  7,   17,  26,  35. 

5.  Prayers  expressing  the  firmegt  trust  and  confidence 
in  God  under  afflictions.  Psalm  3,  16,  27,  31,  54,  56, 
57,   61,   62,   71,    86. 

6.  Prayers  composed  when  ihe  people  of  God  were  un- 
der affliction  or  persecution.  Psalm  44,  60,  74,79,  80, 
83,  89,  94,    102,    123,    137. 

7.  The  following  are  likewise  prayers  in  time  of  trouble 
and  affliction.  Psalm  4,  5,  11,  28,  41,55,59,  64,70, 
109,    120,    140,    141,    142. 

8.  Prayers  of  intercession.  Psalm  20,  67,  122,  132, 
144. 

Psalms  of  Thanksgiving. 
1.  Thanksgivings  for  mercies  vouchsafed  to  particular 

Bb 


>:vm  PREFACE. 

persons.  Palm  9,   18,  22,  30,  31,  40,  75,    103,    108, 

116,  118,    138,    144. 

2.  Thanksgiving?  for  mercies  vouchsafed  to  the  Israel- 
ites in  general.  Psalm  46,  48,  65,  68,  76,  81,  85, 
98,    105,    124,    125,    129,   66,    135,    136,    119. 

Psalms   of   Praise   and  Adoration,  displaying 
the  Attributes  of  God. 

1.  General  acknowledgments  of  God's  goodness  and 
and  mercy,  and  particularly  his  care  and  protection 
of  good  men.  Psalm  23,  34,  36,  91,   100,   103,   107, 

117,  121,    145,    146. 

2.  Psalms  displaying  the  power,  majesty,  glory,  and 
other  attributes  of  the  divine  being.  Psalm  8,  19,  24, 
29,  33,  47,  50,  65,  66,  76,  77,  93,  95,  95,  97,  99, 
104,  111,  113,  114,  115,  134,  139,  147,  148,  150. 

Instructive    Psalms. 

V.  The  different  characters  of  good  and  bad  men  ;  the 
happiness  of  the  one,  and  miseries  of  the  other,  are 
represented  in  the  following  Psalms  1,5,  7,  9,  10,  1 1, 
12,  14,  15,  17,  24,  25,  32,^84,  36,  37,  50,  52,  53,  58, 
73,  75,  84,  91,  92,  94,  112,  119,  121,  125,  127,  128, 
133. 

2.  The  excellence  of  God's  law.  Psalm  19,  119, 

3.  The  vanity  of  human  life.  Psalm  39,  49,90. 

4.  Advice  to  magistrates.  Psalm  82,  101, 

5.  The  virtue  of  humility.  Psalm  131. 

Psalms  more  eminently  and  directly  prophetical.  Psalm- 
2,  16,  22,  40,  45,  63,  72,  87,  101,  118. 

Historical  Psalms. 
Psalm  78,  *05;  106, 


The  Psalms  of  David. 


PSALM  I. 

Perhaps  this  Psalm  was  added  by  Ezra,  or  whoever  eh; 
was  the  collector  of  the  others  into  one  book.     We  hav 
re presented  to  us  in  it,  (I)  The  character  of  the  godly 
how  holy  they  are,  abstaining  from  every  temotation  tc 
or  appearance  of  evil ;  and  with  pleasure  meditating  on 
and  endeavouring  to' fulfil  the  whole  law  of  God,  ver.  1 
2.  and  how  happy,  planted  in  the  nearest  fellowship  witl 
Jesus,  the   river  of  life,  they  prosper  in  their  lawful  at- 
tempts :  They  never  fall  from  their  grace  or  profession  ; 
and  they  shall   stand  with  approbation  at  the  judgment 
seat  of  God,  ver.  3.   (2)  The  sinfulness  and   misery  of 
the  wicked  :  How  different  from,  and  contrary  to  the 
godly  in  their  inclination,  companions,  exercises  and  ends  ! 
How  light  and  unsubstantial,  as  chaff,  and  ready  to  be  hurl- 
ed by  the  storms  of  infinite  wrath,  into  the  depths  of  hell, 
as  cast  and  condemned  in  the   righteous   judgment   of 
God  !  ver.  4,  5.     (3)  The  great  reason  of  the  happiness 
of  saints,  and  of  the  misery  of  sinners.     The  Lord  lov- 
eth  the  righteous,  and  observes  and  approves  their  in- 
clinations and  behaviour  ;  but  as  an  enemy,  he  brings  de- 
structive vengeance  upon  the  wicked,  ver.  6. 

While  I  sing  these  important  lines,  let  my  soul  lift 
up  her  eyes  to  that  great  pattern  of  perfection,  JESUS, 
the  man  of  God's  right  hand,  who  was  holy,  harmless, 
undefined,  and  separate  from  sinners  ;  and  who  fulfilled 
all  righteousness,  magnified  the  law,  and  made  it  honor- 
able for  men — for  ME.  United  to  his  person,  cloathed 
with  his  righteousness,  and  all  inflamed  and  animated 
with  his  redeeming  love  shed  abroad  in  my  heart,  let  me 
examine  myself  as  in  his  sight ;  let  me  walk  in  him  as 
my  way,  and  follow  him  as  my  pattern  and  guide  :  Let 
me  with  solemn  awe  look  to,  and  prepare  for  his  last,  his 
eternal  judgment  * 


20  PSALM    I, 

THAT  man  hath  perfect  blessedness^ 
who  walketh  not  astray 
In  counsel  of  ungodly  men, 

nor  stands  in  sinners'  way, 
Nor  sitteth  in  the  seorner's  chair  : 

3  But  placeth  his  delight, 
Upon  God's  law,  and  meditates 

on  his  law  day  and  night. 

S  He  shall  be  like  a  tree  that  grows 

near  planted  by  a  river, 
Which  in  his  season  yields  his  fruit 

and  his  leaf  fadeth  never  : 
And  all  he  doth  shall  prosper  well. 

4  The  wicked  are  not  so  : 
But  like  they  are  unto  the  chaff 

which  wind  drives  to  and  fro. 

5  In  judgment,  therefore,  shall  not  stand 

such  as  ungodly  are  ; 
Nor  in  th'  assembly  of  the  just 
shall  wicked  men  appear. 

6  For  why  ?  the  way  of  godly  men 

unto  the  Lord  is  known  : 
Whereas  the  way  of  wicked  men 
'  shall  quite  be  overthrown. 

PSALM  n. 

Perhaps  this  psalm  relates  partly  to  David's  instalment 
on  his  throne  and  the  victories  over  his  enemies  -which 
attended  it.  Compare  Psalm  18,  2  Sam.  3,  5,  8,  10, 
18,  20.  But  the  whole  of  it  respects  Jesus  our  Re- 
deemer. Behold  [1]  The  violent  and  harmonious,  but 
unsuccessful  opposition,  which  Jews  and  Gentiles  of  ail 
ranks  make  to  the  person  and  redemption  work  of  the 
great  God  my  Saviour.  Behold  what  ruin  and  woe  they 
draw  upon  themselves  by  their  attempts  1  ver.  J — 5,  9. 


PSALM    II.  21 

t2]  Behold  how,  notwithstanding  all  their  raging  malice 
and  furious  opposition,  Jehovah  instals  our  Redeemer 
King  in  his  church,  and  infallibly  fixeth  him  on  his 
throne  ;  avows  him  his  only  begotten  Son,  and  gives  un- 
to him  the  Gentiles  for  his  people  !  ver.  6 — 8.  [2]  Be- 
hold Jehovah's  demand  of  serious  consideration  and  fear 
of,  joy  in,  and  trust,  obedience  and  love  to  his  exalted 
Son,,  ver.  9 — 12. 

While  I  sing  let  me  remark  the  horrid  nature  of  sin  ; 
let  me  with  broken  heart,  bewail  my  neglect  of  and  op- 
position to  Jesus  Christ.  Let  me  with  wonder  bless  his 
name,  that  I  have  not  already  perished  in  mine  iniquity. 
Let  me  with  earnestness  accept  that  once  debased  re- 
deemer, as  my  saviour,  my  sovereign,  my  proprietor, 
my  God  and  my  all.  Let  me  learn  to  know  him,  re- 
joice in  him,  and  with  holy  awe,  commit  my  whole  sal- 
vation, and  the  salvation  of  my  country,  nay,  of  all  the 
ends  of  the  earth,  to  him. 

WHY  rage  the  heathen  ?  and  vain  things 
why  do  the  people  mind  ? 
%  Kings  of  the  earth  do  set  themselves, 
and  princes  are  combin'd 
To  plot  against  the  Lord,  and  his 
anointed,  saying  thus, 

3  Let  us  asunder  break  their  bands, 

and  cast  their  cords  from  us. 

4  He  that  in  heaven  sits,  shall  langh  ; 

the  Lord  shall  scorn  them  all. 

5  Then  shall  he  speak  to  them  in  wrath, 

in  rage  he  vex  them  shall. 

6  Yet,  notwithstanding,  I  have  him 

to  be  my  king  appointed  : 

And  over  Sion,  my  holy  hill, 

I  have  him  king  anointed. 

7  The  sure  decree  t  will  declare  : 

the  Lord  hath  said  to  me, 


22  PSALM  III. 

Thou  art  mine  only  son  ;  this  day 

I  have  begotten  thee. 
8  xVsk  of  me,  and  for  heritage 

the  heathen  Fll  make  thine, 
And  for  possession  I  to  thee 

will  give  earth's  utmost  line. 

0  Thou  shalt,  as  with  a  weighty  rod 
of  iron  break  them  all : 
And,  as  a  potter's  shred,  thou  shati 
them  dash  in  pieces  small. 

10  Now  therefore,  kings,  be  wise  :  be  taught, 

ye  judges  of  the  earth. 

1 1  Serve  God  in  fear,  and  see  that  ye 

join  trembling  with  your  mirth, 

i  2  Kiss  ye  the  Son,  lest  in  his  ire 
ye  perish  from  the  way, 
If  once  his  wrath  begin  to  burn  : 
Bless'd  all  that  on  him  stay. 

PSALM  III. 

A  Psalm  of  David,  when  he  fled  from  Absalom  his  sod. 

Having  beheld  the  royal  dignity  of  my  Redeemer,  let 
me  here  behold  the  joy,  the  peace,  the  safety  of  ti. 
deemed  amidst  their  distresses  innumerable.  Here.  Da- 
vid, driven  from  his  holy  capital  and  high  throne,  by  his 
rebellious  son  Absalom,  [1]  Complains  to  his  God  of 
the  number  and  malice  of  iris  enemies,  ver.  1.  2.  [2]  He 
encourageth  himself  in  his  God,  as  the  source  and  .sub- 
ject matter  of  his  safety,  joy,  and  honor,  ver.  3. 
He  recollects  how,  on  former  occasions,  his  troubles  had 
driven  him  to  his  prayers  ;  how  he  had  always  found 
God  ready  to  hear  and  grant  his  requests  ;  how  sen-  and 
easy  he  had  livid  under  his  protection  ;  and  how  effec- 
tually he  hud  broken  the  power  and  restrained  the  malice 
of  his  enemies,  ver.  4,  5,  7.  [4]  Triumphantly  trust- 
ing in  God,  as  the  salvation  and  biesser  of  his  f>«?ni  ■  •>. 


PSALM   IV.      :  25 

lie  silenceth  all  his  fears,  and  pours  forth  his  prayers  for 
new  protection  and  deliverance,  ver.  6,  8. 

Think,  my  soul,  of  Jesus,  who,  when  bulls  of  Bashan 
compassed  him  about,  trusted  in  God,  that  he  would  deli- 
ver him.  In  all  my  distress,  let  me  pour  out  my  heart 
before  him,  believing  in  him  as  God,  even  my  god.  Let 
me  always  rejoice  in  the  great  God  my  Saviour.  Let  me 
trust  in  him  at  all  times,  diat  as  he  hath  delivered,  and 
doth  deliver,  so  he  wiii  deliver  me. 

LORD  liow  are  my  foes  increased  ? 
against  me  many  rise. 
&  Many  say  of  my  soul,  for  him 
in  God  no  succour  lies. 

3  Yet  thou  my  shield  and  glory  art ; 

the  uplifter  of  mine  head. 

4  I  cry'd,  and,  from  his  holy  hill, 

the  Lord  me  answer  made. 

5  I  laid  me  down  and  slept;  I  wak?d, 

for  God  sustained  me. 

6  I  will  not  fear  though  thousands  ten 

set  round  against  me  be. 

7  Arise,  O  Lord  :  save  me,  my  God : 

«>,,for  thou  my  foes  hast  stroke 
All  on  the  cheek-bone ;  and  the  teeth 
of  wicked  men  hast  broke. 

S  Salvation  doth  appertain 
unto  the  Lord  alone. 
Thy  blessing,  Lord,  for  evermore 
thy  people  is  upon. 

PSALM  XV. 

To  the  chief  Musician  en  JSTrginoth,  a  Psalm  of  David. 

This  Psalm  was  perhaps  compose^  on  the  same  occn- 

..■:  the  former,  when  David   fled  from  Absalom  his 

son.     Here   [l]  David,    encouraged  by  former   cxpe- 


£4  PSALM    IV. 

rience,  casts  his  burden  on  the  Lord,  and  supplicates  a 
merciful  deliverance,  ver.  1.  [2]  Addressing  himself 
to  men,  particularly  to  his  persecutors,  he  reproves  their 
contempt  of  God  and  religion,  their  delight  in,  and  prac- 
tice of  vanity,  fraud  and  falsehood.  He  represents  the 
happiness  of  the  saints  in  having  God  their  protector, 
and  ready  to  hear  their  requests.  He  recommends  an 
holy  filial  awe  of  God,  a  careful  abstinence  from  sin,  a 
composed  trial  of  and  converse  with  their  own  heart, 
together  with  a  devoting  of  themselves,  and  their  con- 
duct and  substance  to  the  Lord,  ver.  2 — 5.  [3]  To  en- 
courage them  to  the  study  of  practical  religion,  he  re- 
marks what  superlative  satisfaction  and  rest  himself  had 
found  in  familiar  fellowship  with  God,  and  in  a  believing 
nk-pendance  on  him,  ver.  6 — 8. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  have  faith  in  God,  as  my  own 
Gcd  in  Christ.  Let  me  abhor  that  levity  of  mind,  that 
dectitfulness,  that  earthly  mindedness  proper  to  the  un- 
godly, and  every  remain  thereof.  Let  my  soul  pant  for 
Jlhovah,  and  prefer  him  to  every  thing  else.  Let  me, 
by  faith,  lay  myself  down  in  his  arms,  his  bosom,  as  all 
my  salvation  and  comfort. 

("^  IV E  ear  unto  me  when  I  call, 
TT     G°d  °f  mJ  righteousness: 
Have  mercy,  hear  my  pray'r,  thou  hast 
enlarged  me  in  distress. 
2  O  ye  the  sons  of  men,  how  long 
will  ye  love  vanities  ? 
How  long  my  glory  turn  to  shame, 
and  will  ye  follow  lies  ? 

8  But  know,  that  for  himself  the  Lord 
the  godly  nmn  doth  choose  : 
The  Lord,  when  1  on  him  do  call, 
to  hear  will  not  refuse. 

4  Fear,  and  sin  not :  talk  with  vour  hear* 

«. 

on  bed,  and  silent  he. 

5  OiTiii  gs  present  of  righteousness  $ 

and  in  the  Lord  trust  ye. 


/ 


PSALM    V. 

6  O  who  will  shew  us  any  good? 

is  that  which  many  say  : 
But  of  thy  countenance  the  light. 
Lord,  lift  on  us  alway. 

7  Upon  my  heart,  bestow'd  by  thee, 

more  gladness  I  have  found, 
Than  they,  ev'n  then,  when  corn  and  wine 
did  most  with  them  abound. 

8  I  will  both  lay  me  down  in  peace, 

and  quiet  sleep  will  take  : 
Because  thou  only  me  to  dwell 
in  safety,  Lord,  dost  make. 

PSALM  V. 

To  the  chief  Musician  upon  Nehiloth,  a  Psalm  of  David. 

Here  [1]  the  man  according  to  God's  heart,  in  the 
assured  faith  of  God's  hearing- his  prayers  and  hating  his 
sins,  fixetb  a  daily,  an  early,  an  earnest,  a  steady,  a 
grace-founded  correspondence  with  God,  in  his  ordinances 
of  meditation,  prayer,  praise,  See.  verse  1 — 7.  [2]  Be- 
hold him  humbly  requesting  God's  special  direction  in 
duties  which  his  enemies  had  rendered  difficult  to  per- 
form ;  supplicating  and  predicting  the  ruin  of  his  im- 
plicable  foes  ;  and,  in  the  assured  faith  of  obtaining  it, 
imploring  comfort  and  prosperity  to  his  fellow  saints, 
ver.  8 — 12. 

While  I  sing,  let  my  heart  and  flesh  cry  out,  and  my 
soul  pant  and  wait  for  the  Lord.  In  the  firm  f  ath  of  in- 
finite mercy  to  forgive  all  my  crimes,  and  wash  out  all 
my  sinful  stains,  let  me  blush  at,  and  detest  my  own  a- 
bominations.  Jiet  me  cultivate  the  closest  familiarity 
with  the  Lord  my  God.  Let  my  prayers  correspond  with 
his  promises,  and  with  the  particular  condition  of  my- 
self or  others. 

GIVE  ear  unto  my  words,  0  Lord ; 
my  meditation  weigh. 
C 


i,,  FSALM    V. 

2  Hear  my  loud  cry,  my  King,  my  God 

for  I  to  thee  will  pray. 
8  Lord,  thou  shalt  early  hear  my  voice  ; 

I  early  will  direct 
My  pray'r  to  thee,  and  looking  up, 

an  answer  will  expect. 

4  For  thou  art  not  a  God  that  doth 

in  wickedness  delight: 
Neither  shall  evil  dwell  with  thee  : 

5  Nor  fools  stand  in  thy  sight. 
All  that  ill- doers  are  thou  liat'st ; 

G       Cutt'st  off  that  liars  he : 
The  bloody  and  deceitful  man 
abhorred  is  by  thee. 

7  But  I  into  thy  house  will  come 
in  thine  abundant  grace  : 
And  I  will  worship  in  thy  fear 
toward  thy  holy  place. 
S  Because  of  those  mine  enemies, 
Lord,  in  thy  righteousness, 
Bo  thou  me  lead  ;  do  thou  thy  way 
make  straight  before  my  face. 

Q  For  in  their  mouth  there  is  no  truth, 
their  inward  part  is  ill ; 
Their  throat's  an  open  sepulchre, 
their  tongue  doth  flatter  still. 

10  O  God,  destroy  them;  let  them  be 

by  their  own  council  quelFd  : 
Them,  for  their  many  sins,  cast  cut, 

for  thev  "icainst  thee  rebell'd. 

«/    <j 

11  But  let  all  joy  that  trust  in  thee, 

and  still  make  shouting  noise; 
For  them  thou  sav'st  ^  let  all  that  love 
thy  name  in  thee  rejoice. 


PSALM   VI.  \ 

12  For,  Lord,  unto  the  righteous  man 
thou  wilt  thy  blessing  yield  ; 
With  favour  thou  wilt  compass  him 
about  as  with  a  shield. 

PSALM  VI. 

To  the  chief  Musician  on  Neginoth)  upon   SHcminUh^ 
A  Psalm  of  David. 

Observe  here  [I]  David,  a  great  saint,  under  grievous 
and  manifold  troubles,  sickness  of  body,  coBScijuce-iijit 
Charges  of  guilt,  vexation  of  mind,  attended  with  deser- 
tion from  God,  and  contemptuous  insults  from  his  ene- 
mies, ver.  2,  3,  5,  9,  7.  [2]  His  supplications  with 
strong  cries  and  tears  to  God  for  mitigation  of  troi 
support  under  it,  and  deliverance  from  it,  ver.  1,  4,  6. 
[3]  His  triumphant  separation  of  himself  from  the  wick- 
ed, in  the  fuil  assurance  of  faith,  that  God  had  heard,,  and 
would  graciously  grant  his  requests,  and  would  l 
convert  or  destroy  ins  opposers,  ver.  8,   10. 

In  all  my  afflictions,  let  me  believe  that  Jesus  was  af- 
flicted for  me.  Let  me  call  my  sin  to  remembrance^ 
spread  my  case  before  him,  fill  my  mouth  with  argu- 
ments; impiore  his  abundant,  tvtc1  and  sovereign  mer- 
cy, as  my  sole  aid  ail  comprehensive  relief.  Nor  let 
me  ever  expect  a  comfortable  answer  to  my  prayers, 
while  I  cultivate  an  intimacy  with  profane  and  wi 
men'. 

LOUD,  in  thy  wrath  rebuke  me  not, 
nor  in  thy  hot  rage  chasten  me. 
%  Lord,  pity  me,  for  i  am  weak  : 
Heal  me,  for  my  bones  vexed  be. 

3  Isiy  soul  is  also  vexed  sore  ; 

Bat,  Lord,  how  long  stay  wilt  thou  make  ? 

4  Return,  O  Lord,  my  soul  set  free  : 
O  save  me  for  thy  mercy's  sake. 

5  Because  those  that  deceased  are, 

Of  tuee  snaii  no  remembrance  have  : 


PSALM    VL 

And  who  is  he  that  will  to  thee, 
Give  praises,  lying  in  the  grave  ? 

6  I  with  my  groaning  weary  am, 
I  also  all  the  night  my  hed 
Have  caused  for  to  swim ;  and  1 
With  tears  my  couch  have  watered. 

7  Mine  eye,  consumed  with  grief,  grows  old. 
Because  of  all  mine  enemies. 

8  Hence  from  me  wicked  workers  all ; 
For  God  hath  heard  my  weeping  cries. 

9  God  hath  my  supplication  heard ; 
My  pray'r  received  graciously. 

10  Sham'd  and  sore  vexMbe  all  my  foes ; 
Sham'd  and  kick  turned  suddenly* 

SECOND  VERSION. 

JIN*  thy  great  indignation, 
0  Lord,  rebuke  me  not, 
Nor  on  me  lay  thy  chastening  hand 
in  thy  displeasure  hot. 
%  Ldird,  I  am  weak,  therefore  on  me 
have  mercy,  and  me  spare  : 
Heal  me,  O  Lord,  because  thou  know'st 
my  bones  much  vexed  are. 

3  My  soul  is  vexed  sore  :  but,  Lord, 

how  long  stay  wilt  thou  make  ? 

4  Return,  Lord,  free  my  soul,  and  save 

me  for  thy  mercy's  sake. 
o  Because  of  thee  in  death  there  shall, 
no  more  remembrance  be  : 
Of  those  that  in  the  grave  do  lie, 
who  shall  give  thanks  to  thee  ? 

6  I  with  my  groaning  weary  am, 
and  ail  the  night  my  bed 


PSALM    VII. 

I  caused  for  to  swim  :  with  tears 
my  couch  I  watered. 

7  By  reason  of  nay. vexing  grief, 

mine  eye  consumed  is  : 
It  waxeth  old,  because  of  all 
that  be  mine  enemies. 

8  But  now  depart  from  me,  all  ye 

that  work  iniquity  ; 
For  why,  the  Lord  hath  heard  my  voice, 
when  I  did  mourn  and  cry. 

9  Unto  my  supplication 

the  Lord  did  hearing  give  : 
When  I  to  him  my  prayer  make, 
the  Lord  will  it  receive. 

10  Let  all  be  sham'd  and  troubled  sore, 

that  en'mies  are  to  me  ; 
Jj^t  them  turn  back,  and  suddenly 
ashamed  let  them  be. 

PSALM  YIL 

Shiggaion  of  David  which  he  sang  unto  the  Lord,  con- 
cerning the  words  of  Cush  the  Bsnjamite. 

Here,  accused  of  traitorous  conspiracy  against  his 
Sovereign  by  king*  Saul,  or  by  Cush  one  of  his  courtiers, 
David  [1~]  appeals  to  God,  concerning;  his  innocency  of 
that  crime,  ver.  3 — 5.  [2]  He  supplicates,  that  God, 
as  governor  of  the  world,  and  king  of  Israel,  would  pro- 
tect him  £'om  danger,  phv.d  his  caiis.e,  and  give  judg- 
ment for  him,  ver.  i,  2,  6,  9.  [3]  In  the  exercise  of 
faith,  he  depends  on  God,  to  protect 'and  deliver  him, 
and  to  avenge  tiie  injuries  he  had  sustained,  upon  his 
implacable  adversaries,  ver.  10,  16.  [4]  He  resolves 
to  ascribe  the  glory  of  all  ins .flcliveram.es  to  God  alone^ 
ver.  17. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  contemplate  the  spotless  inno- 
cency, the  finished  righteousness,  of  my  Redeemer,  to- 

c  e 


;30 


PSALM   VII. 


gether  with  the  injurious  usage  he  received  from  his 
brethren  of  mankind ;  and  the  fearful  ruin  which  hath 
betaUen  or  awaits  his  incorrigible  foes.  Let  me  care- 
hilly  approve  myself  in  his  sight,  who  searcheth  my 
heart,  and  tneth  my  reins,  and  who  must  quicklv  be  my 
tinal  judge.  Let  me  implore  the  just  vengeance' of  hea- 
ven, against  my  spiritual  enemies.  And  not  unto  me 
out  to  his  name  be  the  glory  and  praise  of  all  my  pro* 
tection  and  deliverance. 

OLord  my  God,  in  thee  do  I 
my  confidence  repose  : 
Save  and  deliver  me  from  all 
my  persecuting  foes. 
%  Lest  that  the  enemy  my  soul 
should  like  a  lion  tear, 
In  pieces  rending  it,  while  there 
is  no  deliverer. 

3  O  Lord  my  God,  if  it  be  so, 

that  I  committed  this  ; 
If  it  be  so,  that  in  my  hands 
iniquity  there  is  ; 

4  If  I  rewarded  ill  to  him 

that  was  at  peace  with  me  ; 
(Yea,   ev'n  the  man  that  without  cause 
my  foe  was,  I  did  free  :) 
o  Then  let  the  foe  pursue,  and  take 
my  soul,  and  my  life  thrust 
Down  to  the  earth,  and  let  him  lay 
mine  honour  in  the  dust. 
0  Rise  in  thy  wrath.  Lord,  raise  thyself 
for  my  foes  raging  be  : 
And  to  the  judgment  which  thou  hast 
commanded,  wake  for  me. 
7  So  shall  th>  assembly  of  thy  folk 
about  encompass  thee : 


PSALM    VII. 

Thou  therefore,  for  their  sakes,  return 

unto  thy  place  on  high. 
8  The  Lord  he  shall  the  people  judge  : 

my  judge,  Jehovah,  be, 
After  my  righteousness,  and  mine 

integrity  in  me. 

0  0  let  the  wicked's  malice  end, 
but  'stablish  steadfastly 
The  righteous  :  for  the  righteous  God 
The  hearts  and  reigns  doth  try. 

10  In  God,  who  saves  th?  upright  in  hearty 

is  my  defence  and  stay. 

11  God  just  men  judgeth,  God  is  wroth 

with  ill  men  every  day. 

15  If  he  do  not  return  again, 

then  he  his  sword  will  whet  j 
His  bow  he  hath  already  bent, 
And  hath  it  ready  set. 

13  He  also  hath  for  him  prepared 

the  instruments  of  death  : 
Against  the  persecutors  he 
his  shafts  ordained  hath. 

14  Behold,  he  with  iniquity 

doth  travail  as  in  birth  : 
A  mischief  he  conceived  hath 
and  falsehood  shall  bring  forth. 
id  He  made  a  pit  and  digg'd  it  deep, 
another  there  to  take  : 
But  he  is  falPn  into  the  ditch 
which  he  himself  did  make. 

16  Upon  his  own  head  his  mischief 

shall  be  returned  home  ; 
His  vi'lent  dealing  also  down 
on  his  own  pate  shall  come* 


32  PSALM    VIII. 

17  According  to  his  righteousness 
the  Lord  Fll  magnify  : 
And  will  sing  praise  unto  the  name 
of  God  that  is  most  high. 

PSALM  Till. 

To  the  chief  Musician  upon  Gittith,  A  Psalm  of  David. 

This  Psalm  contains  a  pleasant  but  solemn  meditaucn 
upon  the  glory,  the  greatness,  and  the  grace  of  God.. 
Let  me  here  observe  [1]  how  illustrious  and  wide  spread 
are  all  his  glory  and  renown,  ver.  1,  3,  9.  [2"|  By  how 
weak  and  insignificant  instruments,  he  manifests  and 
spreads  his  superlative  fame,  ver.  2.  [3]  Behold  his 
marvellous  condescension  and  bounty  to  mankind,  but 
chiefly  to  the  man  Christ,  in  uniting  i.is  human  nature  to 
his  divine  person,  and  in  giving  him  all  power  in  heaven 
and  earth,  for  the  benefit  of  hisc.io=>en  people,  ver.  4 — 8« 

May  this  Jesus,  this  name  of  God  in  him,  be  the  en- 
throned inhabitant,  the  everlasting  wonder,  and  the  su- 
perlative darling  of  my  heart.  Let  me  with  the  babes  of 
Jerusalem,  Matt.  21.  pour  forth  my  Kos annas  to  him 
that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  to  save  me.  Hosannas 
in  the  highest.  Let  ah  me  works  of  nature  lead,  and  ex- 
cite me  to  admire  their  Creator's  kindness  towards  men, — 
towards  sinful  and  insigiufieant  me. 

|~0W  excellent  in  all  the  earth, 
jj    Lord,  our  Lord,  is  thy  name  ! 
Who  hast  thy  glory  far  advane'd 
ahove  the  starry  frame. 
2  From  infants  and  from  sucklings'  mouth 
thou  didest  strength  ordain, 
For  thy  foes  cause,  that  so  thou  niight'st 
th'  avenging  foe  restrain. 

S  When  I  look  up  unto  the  heavens, 
which  thine  own  fingers  fram'd, 
Unto  the  moon,  and  to  the  stirs, 
which  were  by  thee  ordain' d: 


PSALM    IX. 

4  Then  say  I,  what  is  man,  that  he 
remember* d  is  by  thee  ? 
Or  what  the  son  of  man,  that  thou 
so  kind  to  him  skould'st  be  ? 

9  For  thou  a  little  lower  hast 
him  than  the  angels  made, 
With  glory  and  with  dignity 
thou  crowned  hast  his  head. 

6  Of  thy  hands'  works  thou  inad'st  him  lord  ; 

all  under' s  feet  did'st  lay  : 

7  All  sheep  and  oxen,  yea,  and  beasts 

that  in  the  field  do  stray  : 

8  Fowls  of  the  air,  fish  of  the  se-i, 

all  that  pass  through  the  same. 

9  How  excellent  in  all  the  earth, 

Lord,  our  Lord,  is  thy  name  ! 

PSALM  IX. 


To  the  chief  Musician  upon  Mu*h-Labbcit» 
A  Psalm  of  David.- 

This  Psalm  was  perhaps  composed  on  the  occasion  of 
his  son  Absalom's  death.  2  Sam.  18.  or  on  the  occasion 
of  the  death  of  GolLth  the  champion  and  duellist  of  Gath, 
1  Sam.  17.  We  have  in  it,  [1]  D  ivid's  hearty  thanksgiv- 
ings to  God,  for  his  pleading  of  his  cause  against  his  and 
his  country's  enemies,  and  for  gi\ing  him  a  complete 
victory  over  them,  ver.  1 — 6.  and  his  excitement  of  oth- 
ers to  join  with  him  then  in,  ver.  11,  12.  j~2~|  His  tri- 
umph in  God  as  the  righteous  judge  of  the  world,  pro- 
tector of  his  people,  and  the  destroyer  of  his  implacable 
enemies,  ver.  7 — 10.  15 — 18.  [3]  His  requests  for  fur- 
ther grounds  of  praising  God  as  his  own  deliverer;  and 
the  confounder  of  ids  enemies,  ver.    13,  14,  19,  20. 

While  I  sing  these  subjects,  let  me  chiefly  consider 
the  blessings  of  redemption,,  the  victories  of  my  redeem- 
er over  sin,  death,  and  hell ;  and  believe  that  I,  through 
him,  shall  be  more  than  a  conqueror.     Let  the  ruin  of 


34  PSALM    IX. 

transgresses  effectually  admonish  me  to  stand  in  awe  of 
God,  and  at  the  farthest  distance  from  sin. 

IOIID,  thee  Pll  praise  with  all  my  heari 
J  Uij  wonders  all  proclaim. 

2  In  thee,  most  High,  I'll  greatly  joy 

and  sing  unto  thy  name. 

3  When  back  my  foes  were  turned,  they  fell 

and  perish'd  at  thy  sight ; 
-  4  For  thou  maintain'dst  my  right  and  cause, 
on  throne  satt'st,  judging  right. 

5  The  heathen  thou  rebuked  hast, 

the  wicked  overthrown  ; 
Thou  hast  put  out  their  names,  that  they 
may  never  more  be  known. 

6  O  eir  my  !  now  destructions  have 

an  end  perpetual  : 
Thou  cities  raz'd  ;  perish'd  with  them 
is  their  memorial. 

7  God  shall  endure  for  ay  ;  he  doth 

for  judgment  set  his  throne  : 

8  In  righteousness  to  judge  the  world, 

justice  to  give  each  one. 

9  God  also  will  a  refuse  be 

for  those  thai  are  oppressed  ; 
A  refuge  will  he  be,  in  times 
of  trouble,  to  distrest. 

10  And  they  that  know  thy  name,  in  thee 
^  their  confidence  will  place  ; 

Fur  thou  hast  not  forsaken  them 
that  truly  seek  thy  face. 
110  sing  ye  praises  to  the  Lord, 
that  dwells  on  Sion  hill  : 
And  ail  the  nations  among, 
his  deeds  record  ye  still. 


PSAL.M   IX. 


1&  When  lie  enquire!!}  after  blood, 
he  then  remembretb  them  : 
The  humble  folk  he  not  forgets, 
that  call  upon  his  name. 
13  Lord,  pity  me:  behold  the  grief 
which  I  from  foes  sustain: 
Ey'n  thou  who  from  the  gates  of  death 
dost  raise  me  up  again  : 

11  That  I,  in  Sion's  daughters'  gates,; 
may  all  thy  praise  advance  : 
And  that  I  may  rejoice  always 
in  thy  deliverance. 
id  The  heathen  are  sunk  in  the  pit, 

which  they  themselves  prepared  ; 
And  in  the  net  which  they  have  hid 
their  own  feet  fast  are  snard. 

■10  The  Lord  is  by  the  judgment  known, 
which  he  himself  hath  wrought : 
The  sinners'  hands  do  make  the  snares 
wheicwidi  themselves  are  caught. 

17  They  who  are  wicked,  into  hell, 

each  one  shall  turned  be  : 
And  all  the  nations  that  forget 
to  seek  the  Lord  most  high. 

18  For  they  that  needy  are,  shall 

forgotten  he  alway; 
The  expectation  of  the  poor 
shall  not  be  lost  for  ay. 

19  Arise,  Lord,  let  not  man  prevail ; 

judge  heathens  in  thy  sight  : 
€0  That  they  may  know  themselves  but  men^ 
the  nations/  Lord,  s  flight. 


(  M  .) 
FSALM  X. 

In  this  Psalm  of  lamentation  and  woe,  we  have  (1) 
Da-s id's  mournful  complaints  of  God's  withdraw ment  of 

his  gracious  and  comfortable  presence,  ver.  1.  [2]  His 
mournful  and  shocking  representation  of  the  wicked  men 
who  persecuted  him  during  God's  absence  :  They  pioud- 
ly  gloried  in  themselves;  they  counteracted  the  laws,, 
and  contemned  the  judgments  oi  God  ;  they  contradicted 
and  defied  their  opposers  ;  they  were  malicious,  treache- 
rous, crafty,  hypocrital,  and  atheistical  persecutors,  ver. 
2 — 11.  [3]  His  earnest  supplications  lor  relief  to  the 
people  oi  God,  attended  with  the  firm  faith  of  obtaining 
it,  ver.  12 — 18. 

While  I  sing  these,  ponder,  O  my  soul,  what  aprni- 
lege  it  is  to  enjoy  familiar  fellowship  with  God  !  What 
abominations  lie  hid  in  an  evil  heart  of  unbelief  I  What 
a  mercy,  that  the  Lord  hath  withheld  me  iicm  that  out- 
rage in  wickedness,  of  which  my  corrupt  nature  is  capa- 
ble !  Let  all  my  views  of  sins  and  of  judgments  cause 
mt'to  flee  to  Jesus  for  relief.  If  he  prepare  my  heart  to 
pray,  he  will  surely  grant  my  requests. 

WHEEEFCBEisit,  that  then,  OLord, 
dost  stand  from  us  afar  ? 
And  wherefore  hidest  thou  thyself, 
when  times  so  troublous  are  ? 

2  The  wicked  in  his  loftiness, 

doth  persecute  the  pocr  : 
In  these  devices  they  have  fram'd, 
let  them  be  taken  sure. 

3  The  wicked  of  his  heart's  desire 

doth  talk  with  boasting  great ; 

He  blesseth  him  that's  covetous, 

whom  yet  the  Lord  doth  hate. 

4  Tie  wicked,  through  his  pride  of  face. 

on  God  he  doth  not  call  : 
And  in  the  councils  of  his  heart 
the  Lord  is  not  at  all. 


PSALM  X. 


37 


3  His  -ways  they  always  grevipas  are  ; 
thy  judgments  from  his  sight 
Removed  are  :  at  all  his  foes 
he  puffeth  with  despite. 

6  Within  his  heart  he  thus  hath  said, 

I  shall  not  moved  be  ; 

And  no  adversity  at  all 

shall  ever  come  to  me. 

7  His  mouth  with  cursing,  fraud,  deceit, 

is  fill'd  abundantly  : 
And  underneath  his  tongue  there  is 
mischief  and  vanity. 

8  He  closely  sits  in  villages  : 

he  slays  the  innocent : 
Against  the  poor,  that  pass  him  by, 
his  cruel  eyes  are  bent. 

9  He,  lion-like,  lurks  in  his  den  : 

he  waits  the  poor  to  take  : 
And  when  he  draws  him  in  his  net, 
his  prey  he  doth  him  make. 

10  Himself  he  humbleth  very  low, 

he  croucheth  down  withal, 
That  so  a  multitude  of  poor, 
may  by  his  strong  ones  fall. 

11  He  thus  hath  said  within  his  heart, 

the  Lord  hath  quite  forgot : 
He  hides  his  countenance,  and  he 
forever  sees  it  not, 

12  O  Lord,  do  thou  arise  ;  O  God, 

lift  up  thine  hand  on  high : 
Put  not  the  meek  afflicted  ones 
out  of  thy  memory. 
IS'  Why  is  it  that  the  wicked  man 
thus  doth  the  Lord  despise  ? 

n 


•38  PSALM    XI. 

Because,  that  God  will  it  require, 
lie  in  his  heart  denies. 

14  Thou  hast  it  seen,  for  their  mischief, 

and  spight  thou  wilt  repay  : 
The  poor  commits  himself  to  thee, 
thou  art  the  orphans'  stay. 

15  The  arm  hreak  of  the  wicked  man, 

and  of  the  evil  one  : 
Do  thou  seek  out  his  wickedness,- 
until  thou  tindest  none. 

16  The  Lord  is  king  through  ages  all, 

ev'n  to  eternity  : 
The  heathen  people  from  his  land 
are  perished  utterly. 

17  O  Lord,  of  those  that  humhle'  are 

thou  the  desire  did'st  hear  : 
Thou  wilt  prepare  their  heart,  and  thou 
to  hear  wilt  bend  thine  ear. 

18  To  judge  the  fatherless,  and  those 

that  are  oppressed  sore  ; 
That  man,  that  is  but  sprung  of  earthy 
may  them  oppress  no  more. 

PSALM  XL 

To  the  chief  Musician.  A  Psalm  of  David. 

Behold  here  (1)  David,  tempted  by  his  timerous  friends 
to  escape  to  some  mountain,  and  hide  himself  from  the 
fury  of  Saul,  or  of  A'osaiom,  as  if  that  were  his  only 
safe  course  now,  when  his  enemies  were  exerting  them- 
selves to  the  uttermost,  and  all  things  were  in  disorder  and 
confusion,  ver.  1 — 3.  (2)  David  baffling  the  temptation  by 
a  resolute  profession  of  his  trust  in  God,  as  the  observer 
of  all  men  ;  as  the  holy  and  righteous  punisher  of  the 
wicked,  and  friend  of  the  godly,  ver.  4 — 7. 

Let  no   temptation  decoy  me  from  my  duty.     Let  no 


PSALM    XII. 


39 


danger  deter  me  from  it.  While  Jehovah,  my  reconci- 
led "God  and  Father,  manageth  and  judgeth  the  world, 
my  safest  course  is  to  commit  myself  to  him  in  well  do- 
ing. Let  the  just  vengeance  of  God  upon  sinners  deter 
my  heart  from  sinning,  and  his  kindness  to  his  people  en- 
courage me  to  holiness  in  ail  manner  of  conversation, 

I  IN"  the  Lord  do  put  my  trust : 
how  is  it  then  that  ye 
Buy  to  my  soul,  iiee  as  a  bird 
unto  your  mountain  high  ? 

2  For,  lo,  the  wicked  bend  their  bow, 

their  shafts  on  string  they  lit : 
That  those  who  upright  are  in  heart 
they  privily  may  hit. 

3  If  i)\Q  foundations  be  destroyed, 

what  hath  the  righteous  done  ? 

4  God  in  his  holy  temple  is, 

in  heaven  is  his  throne  : 
His  eyes  do  see,  his  eye-lids  try 

5  men's  sons.     The  just  he  proves  : 
But  his  soul  hates  the  wicked  man, 

and  him  that  violence  loves. 
§  Snares,  lire  and  brimstone,  furious  storm?, 
on  sinners  he  shall  rain  : 
This,  as  the  portion  of  their  cup, 
doth  unto  them  pertain. 
7  Because  the  Lord  most  righteous  doth 
in  righteousness  delight; 
And  with  a  pleasant  countenance 
beholdeth  the  upright. 

PSALM  XII. 

To  the  chief  Musician  upon   Shemixi<Th. 
A  Psalm  of  Da  vid. 
In  this  psalm,  winch  was  probably  penned,  cluring 


49 


PSALM    XII. 


reigh  of  Saul,  observe,  (1)  The  times  rendered  extreme- 
ly bad  by  the  almost  universal  death  of  the  godly,  the 
general  decay  of  piety  and  honesty,  the  common  preva- 
lence of  dissimulation  and  flattery  ;  and  by  the  proud  and 
daring  contempt  of  God,  and  oppression  of  the  poor; 
and  by  the  protection  and  encouragement  of  wickedness, 
by  those  that  bare  rule  in  church  or  state,  vcr.  1 — 4,  8. 
[2]  Enough  in  God  to  balance  the  evils  of  the  worst  of 
times,  lie  is  ready  to  help.  He  will  in  due  time  reck- 
on with  the  wicked,  and  restrain  their  insolence.  He 
v,  ill  seasonably  and  effectually  relieve  his  oppressed  peo- 
ple. Ills  words  are  pure,  firm  and  vhfui ;  and  he  will 
always  secure  a  remnant  for  himself,  ve  \  1 — 5,  6,  7. 

In  evil  times,  do  thou  my  soul,  live  on  \  y  God.  •  Walk 
humbly  with  thy  God.  Hope  continue  y  in  thy  God, 
and  rejoice  in  his  new-covenant  promise    .o  men, — to  me; 

ELP,  Lord,  because  the  jOdiy  man 
doth  daily  fade  away ; 
And  from  among  the  sons  (.    men 
the  faithful  do  decay.     / 
3  Unto  his  neighbour  every  Jene 
doth  utter  vanity  :         / 
They  with  a  double  hea /.  do  speak, 
and  lips  of  HaUery.    f 

3  God  shall  cut  off  all  flaring  lips, 

.oudly,  thus. 

4  We'll  with  our  tongi  /  prevail,  our  lips 
are  ours  :  who's  J  /,rd  o'er  us  ? 

For  poor  oppressed,  And  for  the  sighs 


of  needy,  rise  vjA  I, 


Saith  God,  and  h 
from  such  as  hi 


i  in  safety  set 
defy. 


The  words  of  G  £{  are  words  most  pure  | 

they  be  like  .</  ver  try'd 
j.xl  ;.  ....  V^i  fun  /  e,  seven  times 

that  hau,  *mrify'd. 


PSALM  XIII.  $T 

7  Lord,  thou  shalt  them  preserve  and  keep 

for  ever  from  this  race. 

8  On  each  side  walk  the  wicked,  when 

vile  men  are  high  in  place. 

PSALM  XIII. 

To  the  chief  Musician.  A  Psalm  of  David. 

Here  we  have  the  Psalmist  sowing  in  tears,  but  reap- 
ing in  joy.  Observe  (i)  his  extreme  distress,  occasion- 
ed by  God's  apparent  unkindness,  and  by  inward  an- 
guish of  soul,  and  insolence  of  enemies,  vcr.  1,  2.  (2) 
his  fervent  supplications  that  God  would  consider  his 
case,  strengthen  his  faith,  direct  his  goings,  and  com- 
fort his  heart,  ver.  3,  4.  (3)  Sudden  deliverance,  flow- 
ing from  a  fixed  trust  in  God,  and  inducing  to  a  trium- 
phant joy  in  him,  ver.  5,  6. 

Think,  my  soul,  how  divine  withdrawments,  sensibly 
perceived,  sting  a  renewed  heart !  How  changeable  the 
saints'  spiritual  frames  are,  while  they  continue  in  this 
world.  Weeping  endures  for  a  night,  but  joy  cometh 
in  the  morning.  And  behold,  how  quickly  the  prayers 
of  faith  are  answered,  and  its  expectations  fulfilled  ! 

HOW  long  wilt  thou  forget  me,  Lord, 
shall  it  for  ever  be  ? 
O  how  long  shall  it  be  that  thou 
wilt  hide  thy  face  from  me  ? 
%  How  long  take  council  in  my  soul, 
still  sad  in  heart,  shall  I  ? 
How  long  exalted  over  me 
shall  be  mine  enemy  ? 

3  O  Lord,  my  God,  consider  well, 

and  answer  to  me  make : 
Mine  eyes  enlighten,  lest  the  sleep 
of  death  me  overtake : 

4  Lest  that  mine  enemy  should  say* 

against  him  I  prevailed  \ 


1    J  A  lj  ,*i     Al¥. 


An  I  those  tha-  (rouble  me  rejoice, 
when  I  am  mov'd  and  faiFd. 

3  But  I  have  all  my  confidence 
thy  mercy  set  upon  : 
My  heart  within  me  shall  rejoice 
in  thy  salvation. 
6  I  will  unto  the  Lord  my  God, 
sing  praises  cheerfully  : 
Because  he  hath  his  bounty  shown 
to  me  abundantly. 

PSALM  XIV. 

To  the  chief  Musician.  A  Psalm  of  David, 

This  Psalm  represents  the  fearful  sinfulness  and  mi- 
sery of  mankind,  and  the  marvellous  method  of  deliver- 
ance therefrom.  Behold  here  ( 1 )  all  mankind  fearfully 
infected  with  tie  God-dishonouring,  the  soul-debasing 
and  defiling,  the  world  disturbing,  malady  of  sinful  cor- 
ruption-in  heart  and  life,  ver.  i — 3.  (2)  Warm  expos- 
tulations for  the  conviction,  awakening,  and  reclaiming 
of  wicked  men,  ver.  4 — 6.  (3)  Consolations  exhibited 
to  the  righteous,  from  God's  being  among'  them,  and 
being  a  refuge  to  them,  and  from  his  sending  his  Son  to 
save  and  redeem  them,    ver.  5 — 7. 

While  I  sing  these  lines,  let  me  have  a  deep  sense  of 
my  corruptions.  Let  me  be  ashamed  of  them  before 
God.  Let  me,  with  a  broken  heart  and  weeping  eye, 
confess  my  filthiness  and  crimes.  Let  me  groan  after 
and  flee  to  Jesus,  the  Saviour,  the  salvation  of  God.  O 
wretched  man  that  I  am  I  who  shall  deliver  me  from 
this  abominable  life,  from  this  inward  body  of  death  I 
Thanks  to  the  Redeemer,  who  is  come  to  Zion,  to  turn 
iw.y  ungodliness  from  Jacob  1  Let  therefore  Jacob  re- 
joice, and  the  Gentiles  sing. 


T 


HAT  there  is  not  a  God,  the  fool 
doth  in  his  heart  conclude  5 


PSALM   X\r. 


4S 


They  are  corrupt,- their  works  arc  vile,    4 
not  one  of  them  do'th  good. 
3  Upon  men's  sons  the  Lord  from  hoav'a 
did  cast  his  eyes  abr'oatl ; 
To  see  if  any  understood, 
and  did  seek  after  God* 
3  They  altogether  filthy  are, 
they  all  aside  are  gone  : 
And  there  is  none  that  doeth  good, 
yea,  sure  there  is  not  one. 
i  These  workers  of  iniquity, 

do  they  not  know  at  all,  '■      . 

That  they  my  people  eat  as  bread, 
and  on  God  do  not  call  ?  . 

5  There  fear'd  they  much  r-  for  God  is  with 

the  whole  race  of  the  just 

6  You  shame  the  counsel  of  the  poor, 

because  God  is  his  trust. 

7  Let  Israel's  help  from  Sion  come. 

When  back  the  Lord  shall  bring 
His  captives,  Jacob  shall  rejoice, 
and  Israel  shall  sing. 

PSALM  XV. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 

Here  let  me  [l]  with  wonder,  observe  the  happy  stafjJ 
of  present  fellowship  with  God,  in  his  church  on  earth, 
and  of  everlasting  fellowship  with  him,  in  the  temple  a- 
bove  ;  and  how  fixed  the  saints  are  in  this  their  new-cov» 
enant  state,  ver.  1,  5.  (2)  Let  me  with  self-examination, 
remark  the  discriminating  characters  of  such  as  are  ad- 
mitted to  that  happy  state.  They  are  sincere,  upright 
and  honest  in  all  their  ways  ;  are  kind  to  neighbours,  they 
esteem  others  in  proportion  to  the  appearance  of  Christ's 
image  on  them  ;  and  they  prefer  a  good  conscience  tp 
every  earthly  advantage,  ver.  2> — 5. 


44  PSALM  XVI. 

While  I  sing  let  me  think  of  my  perfect  and  all  suffi- 
cient Saviour,  who  is  passed  into  the  heavens  ;  is  entered 
for  me  as  the  forerunner.  And,  having  received  him 
into  my  heart  as  my  sanctifying  furniture,  let  me  walk  in 
him  as  my  way,  and  follow  him  as  my  pattern,  denying 
ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts,  and  living  soberly,  righ- 
teously and  godly  in  this  present  world.  Thus  shall  the 
Father  and  the  Son  come  unto  me  on  earth,  and  take  up 
their  abode  with  me  ;  and  so  shall  I  in  heaven  be  for  ever 
with  the  Lord. 

WITHIN  thy  tabernacle,  Lord, 
who  shall  abide  with  thee? 
And  in  thy  high  and  holy  hill, 
who  shall  a  dweller  be  ? 
%  The  man  that  walketh  uprightly, 
and  worketh  righteousness  ; 
And  as  he  thinketh  in  his  heart, 
so  doth  he  truth  express. 

3  Who  doth  not  slander  with  his  tongue, 

nor  to  his  friend  doth  hurt ; 
Nor  yet  against  his  neighbour  doth 
take  up  an  ill  report. 

4  In  whose  eyes  vile  men  are  despised ; 

but  those  that  God  do  fear 
He  honoureth :  and  change th  not, 
thou  to  his  hurt  he  swear. 

5  His  coin  puts  not  to  usury, 

nor  take  reward  will  he 
Against  the  guiltless.     Who  do'th  thus^ 
shall  never  moved  be. 

PSALM  XVI. 

Michtam  of  David. 

This  psalm  is  indeed  a  michtam,  a  golden  psaltm 
Behold  the  man  according  to  God's  heart  (1)  commi? 


PSALM  XVI. 


45* 


ting  himself  to  God  as  his  preserver,  ver.  1 .  (2)  Avow- 
ing his  endeared  love  to  the  people,  and  strict  adherance 
to  the  worship  of  God,  ver.  3,  4.  (3)  With  great  con- 
fidence and  joy  claiming  God  for  his  satisfying  portion, 
ver.  2,  5 — 7.  '  (4)  Comforting  himself  in,  and  blessing 
God  for  his  present  intimacy  with  him,  and  granting  di- 
rection to  him,  and  for  his  certain  prospect  of  the  eter- 
nal enjoyment  of  him,  ver.  8 — 11. 

J3ut  chiefly  behold  here,  Jesus,  the  man  of  God's 
right  hand,  surrendering  himself  up  to  his  Father's  ser- 
vice, in  room  of,  and  for  the  everlasting  advantage  of 
his  elect!  Behold  him,  taking  out  his  new-covenant 
claim  to  God,  as  his  God  and  portion  for  ever  ;  and  as 
our  God  and  portion  in  him  !  Behold  how,  supported  of 
God  in  his  holy  manhood,  he  suffers  unto  a  tremendous 
death,  and  debased  burial ;  but  being  raised  again,  he 
is  crowned  with  everlasting  glory  and  honour!  Behold! 
how  the  agonies  of  suffering,  and  the  pains  of  death,  aie 
succeeded  with  fulness  of  joy,  and  rivers  of  life  and  plea- 
sures at  God's  right  hand  for  evermore.  Looking  to  him, 
let  me  with  patience  run  the  race  that  is  set  before  me, 
living  on,  and  rejoicing  in  God,  as  my  all,  and  in  all, 
and  looking  for  the  blessed  hope,  and  gloiious  appeal* 
ing  of  the  great  God  my  Saviour.  Through  him  neither 
sin  nor  devils,  nor  death,  nor  hell,  shall  be  able  to  pre- 
vent my  immediate  and  everl-tstmg  enjoyment  of  Jeho- 
vah, as  my  infinite  portion  and  exceeding  joy, 

LORD,  keep  me  ;  for  I  trust  in  thee, 
2  To  God  thus  was  my  speech  ; 
Thou  art  my  Lord,  and  unto  thee 
my  goodness  doth  not  reach  : 

3  To  saints  on  earth,  to  t\i  excellent, 

w^ere  my  delight's  all  plae'd. 

4  Their  sorrows  shall  he  multiply M, 

to  other  gods  that  hasie. 

Of  their  drink-offerings  of  blood, 

I  will  no  offering  make  ; 
Yea  neither  I  their  very  names 

up  in  my  lips  will  take. 


45  PSALM    XVII. 

5  -God  is  of  mine  inheritance 
and  cup  the  portion  : 
The  lot  that  fallen  is  to  me, 
thou  dost  maintain  alone. 

5  Unto  me  happily  the  lines 
in  pleasant  places  fell ; 
Yea,  the  inheritance  I  got, 
in  beauty  doth  excel. 

7  I  hless  the  Lord,  because  he  doth 

by  counsel  me  conduct  : 
And,  in  the  seasons  of  the  night, 
my  reins  do  me  instruct. 

8  Before  me  still  the  Lord  I  set : 

sith  it  is  so,  that  he 
Doth  ever  stand  at  my  right  hand, 
I  shall  not  moved  be. 

9  Because  of  this  my  heart  is  glad, 

and  joy  shall  be  cxprest 
Ev?n  by  my  glory  :  and  my  flesh 
in  confidence  shall  rest. 

10  Because  my  soul  in  grave  to  dwell 

shall  not  be  left  by  thee  ; 
Nor  wilt  thou  give  thine  holy  one 

corruption  to  see. 
i  I  Thou  wilt  me  shew  the  path  of  life : 

of  joys  there  is  full  store 
Before  thy  face  ;  at  thy  right  hand 

are  pleasures  evermore. 

PSALM  XVII. 

A  Prayer  of  Da  vjd. 

Here,  in  the  depths  of  distress,  (1)  David  appeals  to 
God  concerning  the  integrity  of  his  heart,  and  tne  just- 


PSALM    XVII. 


47 


nessof  his  cause,  ver.  1 — 4.  (2)  He  prays  for  establish- 
ment in  grace  within;  ioi  tokens  oi  divine  favor  from 
above;  and  for  preservation  iiom  i.is  carnal,  malicious, 
and  insolent,  his  restless  and  powerful  enemies,  around, 
ver.  5 — 14.  (3)  His  triumphs  in  the  assuredfeith  of 
his  everlasting  enjoyment  of,  and  Conformity  to  God, 
ver.  15. 

Let  me  also  here  look  after  Jesus,  in  whose  heart  was 
no  deceit,  and  in  whose  mbuth  wij.s  no  guile  ;  Jesus, 
who  fulfilled  all  righteousness  for  me  :  and  who,  not- 
withstanding all  the  i.  ge  of  deviis  and  men,  hath  sat 
down  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  crowned  with  glory  and 
honour.  Let  me  remember,  that  he,  as  the  fore-runner, 
is  for  me  enteied  into  the  mansions  ot  biiss:  aid  huth 
left  me  an  example,  that  I  should  follow  his  ste 

LORD,  hear  the  right,  attend  my  cry: 
unto  my  prayer  give  Leed, 
That  doth  not  in  hypocrisy 
from  feigned  lips  proceed. 
S  And  from  before  thy  presence  forth 
my  sentence  do  thou  send  : 
Toward  those  things  that  equal  are, 
do  thou  thine  eyes  intend. 

3  Thou  provd'st  mine  heart,  thou  visit'dst  me 

by  night,  thou  didst  me  try, 
Yet  nothing  found 'st  :  for  that  my  niGiith 
shall  not  sin,  purposed  I. 

4  As  for  men's  works,  I,  by  the  word 

that  from  thy  lips  doth  flow, 
Did  me  preserve  out  of  the  paths 
wherein  destroyers  go. 

5  Hold  up  my  goings,  Lord,  me  guide 

in  those  thy  paths  divine  ; 
So  that  my  footsteps  may  not  slide 
out  of  those  ways  of  thine. 
%  I  called  have  on  thee,  0  God. 
because  thou  wilt  me  hear  : 


4S  PSALM    XVII. 

That  thou  may?st  liarkcn  to  ray  speech, 
to  me  incline  thine  ear. 

7  Thy  wond'rous  loving  kindness  show, 

thou,  that  by  thy  right  hand, 
Sav?st  them,  that  trust  in  thee,  from  those 
that  up  against  them  stand. 

8  As  the  apple  of  the  eye  me  keep  ; 

in  thy  wings  shade  me  close, 

9  From  lewd  oppressors,  compassing 

me  round,   as  deadly  foes. 

10  In  their  own  fat  they  are  inclcs'd, 

their  mouth  speaks  loftily. 

11  Our  steps  they  compass  ;  and  to  ground 

down  bowing  set  their  eye. 

12  He  like  unto  a  lion  is, 

that's  greedy  of  his  prey  : 
Or  lion  young,  which,  lurking,  doth 
in  secret  places  stay. 

13  Arise,  and  disappoint  my  foe, 

and  cast  liim  down,  O  Lord, 
My  soul  save  from  the  wicked  man, 
the  man  which  is  thy  sword. 

14  From  men  which  are  thy  hand,  0  Lordj 

from  worldly  men  me  save  ; 
"Which  only  in  this  present  life 

their  part  and  portion  have  : 
"Whose  belly  with  thy  treasure  hid, 

thou  fiiFst :  they  children  have 
In  plenty;  of  their  goods  the  rest 

they  to  their  children  leave. 
to  But  as  for  me,  1  thine  own  face 

in  righteousness  will  see  : 
And  with  thy  likeness  when  I  wake^ 

I  satisfy'ti  shall  be. 


r   49 


» 


PSALM  XTIII. 

To  the  chief  Musician.  A  Psalm  of  David,  the  set 


of  the  Lord,  %vho  hpakk   unto  the  Lord  the 

»  song,  in  the  day  that  the  Lord  delivered  him  from 
the  hand  of- all  his  enemies,  and  from  the  hand  of 
Saul :  And  he  said. 

In  this  psalm  of  thanksgiving  for  manifold  deliverances, 
observe  (1)  David's  ardent  love  to  God  in  Christ,  whom 
he  believed  to  be  his  own,  in  every  gracious  and  saving 
relation  ;  and  whom  he  had  experienced  his  merciful, 
almighty  and  seasonable  deliverer,  from  depths  of  trou- 
ble, ver.  1  — 19.  (2J  His  comfortable  reflections  on  the 
integrity,  which  the  Lord  h.d  enabled  him  to  mail 
and  on  the  gracious  kindness  of  God  consequential 
thereupon,  ver.  20 — 28.  (3)  His  thankful  ascription  oi 
all  the  glory  of  his  noted  exploits  to  God  as  his  director 
and  ttrengtjjener,  ver.  29 — 42.  (4)  His  triumj 
faith  and  hope  of  further  assistance  arc!  favour  from 
God,  to  himself  and  to  his  seed  for  evermore,  ver. 
43—50. 

13m  .  ot  forget  Jesus,  to  whom  Jehovah  is  so 

closely,  so  marvellously,  so  sweetly  related  :  Ji. 
so' ardently   ieveth  his  eternal  Father,  and  for  ever  re- 
turns the  grateful   remembrance  of  his  kindness  to  . 
and  to  his  chosen  seed,  in  delivering  him  from  disi 
in   raising  him  from  the  dead;    in   rewarding  his  obe- 
dience unto  death,  in  giving  him   glory  at  his  own  right 
hand,    and  in  rendering    all   nations    his  obedient  sub- 
jects.    Let  me  sing  this  new  song  in  the  full  assurance 
of  faith,  that  God  in  Christ  is  my   all  and   in    all; 
and   with    an    heart  ravished  with    the    consolations  of 
Christ,  and  in  the  sweet  reviews  of  what  be  hath  i 
what  he  doth,  and   what  he   will  for  ever  do,    for  my 
soul. 


Th 


<HKE  will  I  love,  O  Lord,  my  strength, 
%  My  fortress  is  the  Lord ; 
My  rock,  and  !  ira  that  doth  to  me, 
deliverance  afford  : 

E 


PSALM    XVIII. 

Mv  God,  my  strength,  whom  I  will  trust. 

a  buckler  unto  me, 
The  horn  of  my  salvation, 

and  my  high  tow  "r  is  lie. 

3  Upon  the  Lord,  who  worthy  is 

of  praises,  will  I  cry  : 
And  then  shall  I  preserved  he 

safe  from  mine  enemy. 
4?  Floods  of  ill  men  affrighted  me, 

death's  pangs  about  me  went. 

5  Helps  sorrows  me  environed  : 

death's  snares  did  me  prevent. 

6  In  my  distress  I  calPd  on  God, 

cry  to  my  God  did  I : 
He  from  his  temple  heard  my  voice, 
to  his  ears  came  mv  crv. 

7  Th'  earth,  as  affrighted,  then  did  shake, 

trembling  upon  it  seiz'd  ; 
The  hills'  foundations  moved  were, 
because  he  was  displeas'd. 

8  Up  from  his  nostrils  came  a  smoke., 

and  from  his  mouth  there  came 
Devouring  fire,  and  coals  by  it 

were  turned  into  flame. 
fi  He  also  bowed  down  the  heav'ns, 

and  thence  he  did  descend  : 
And  thickest  clouds  of  darkness  did 

under  his  feet  attend. 

10  And  he  upon  a  cherub  rode, 

and  thereon  he  did  fly  : 
Yea,  on  the  swift  winirs  of  the  wind 
his  flight  was  from  on  high. 

11  He  darteiess  made  his  secret  plaoe  : 

about  him  for  his  tent 


,   I 

PSALM    XVIII.  -    5i 

Dark  waters  were  and  thickest  clouds 
of  the  airy  firmament. 
(3  And  at  the  brightness  of  that  ligh't 
which  was  before  his  eye>  ( 
Ills  thick  clouds  pass'd.away,  hazl-sione* 
and  coals  of  lire  did  fly.        >..-#" 
13  The  Lord  (*od  also  in  the  heavens 
did  thunder  in  his  ire  ; 
And  there  the  highest  gave  his  voice,  * 
hail-stones  and  ccals  of  fire.  * 

11  Yea,  he  his  arrows  sent  abroad, 
and  them  he  scattered  ; 
His  lightnings  also  he  shot  out, 
and  them  discomfited. 

15  The  waters'  channels  then  were  seen, 

the  world's  foundations  vast 
At  thy  rebuke  -discovered  were, 
and  at  thy  nostrils'  blast. 

16  And  from  above  the  Lord  sent  down, 

and  took  me  from  below ; 
From  many  waters  he  me  drew, 
which  would  me  overflow. 

17  He  me  relieved  from  my  strong  foes, 

and  su^h  as  did  me  hate  : 
Because  lie  saw  that  they  for  me, 
too  strong  were  and  too  great. 

18  They  me  prevented  in  the  day 

of  my  calamity ; 
But,  even  then,  the  Lord  himself 
a  stay  was  unto  me. 

19  He  to  a  place  where  liberty 

and  room  was,  hath  me  brought : 
Because  he  took  delight  in  me, 
he  my  deliverance  wrought. 


PSALM    XVii! 

%0  According  to  my  righteousness 

lie  did  me  recompense  ; 
He  me  repaid  according  I 

iay  hands'  pure  innocence. 
£1  For  1  God's  ways  kept,  from  my  God 

did  not  turn  wickedly. 
%%%  His  judgments  were  before  mc?  I 

his  laws  put  not  from  me. 
ft3  Sincere  before  him  was  my  hearty 

with  him  upright  was  I, 
And  watchfully  I  kept  myself 

from  mine  iniquity. 
21  After  my  righteousness  the  Lord 

hath  recompensed  me, 
After  the  cleanness  of  my  hand:? 

appearing  in  his  eye. 
£ j  Thou  gracious  to  the  gracious  art, 

to  upright  men  upright. 
35  Pure  t<y  the  pure,  fcoward  thou  kyth'si 

unto  the  fro  ward  wight. 
%7  For  thou  wilt  the  afflicted  save, 

id  grief  that  low  do  lie  : 
But  will  bring  down  the  countenance 

of  them  whose  looks  are  high. 
S8  The  Lord  will  lisrht  mv  candle  so. 

that  it  shall  shine  full  bright  : 
The  Lord  my  God  will  also  make 

my  darkness  to  be  light. 
39  By  thee  through  troops  of  men  I  break, 

and  them  discomfit  all  : 
And,  by  my  God  assisting  me, 

I  overleap  a  wall. 
30  As  for  God,  perfect  is  his  way: 

the  Lord  his  word  is  trv'd  : 


PSALM  XVIII. 


He  is  a  buckler  to  all  those 
who  do  in  him  confide. 

31  Who  but  the  Lord  is  God  ?  but  he 

who  is  a  rock  and  stay? 

32  'Tis  God  that  girdeth  me  with  strength; 

and  perfect  makes  my  way. 

33  He  made  mv  feet  swift  as  the  hind's, 

set  me  on  my  high  places. 

34  Mine  hands  to  war  he  taught,  mine  arms. 


35 


30 


37 


38 


brake  bows  of  steel  in  pieces. 
The  shield  of  my  salvation 

Thou  didst  on  me  bestow  : 
Thy  right  hand  held  me  up,  and  great 

thy  kindness  made  me  grow. 

And  in  my  way  my  steps  thou  hast 

enlarged  under  me ; 
That  I  go  safely,  and  my  feet 

are  kept  from  sliding  free, 
mine  en'mies  I  pursued  have, 

and  did  them  overtake  : 
Nor  did  I  turn  again,  till  I 

an  end  of  them  did  make. 


I  wounded  them,  they  could  not  rise  : 
they^ft  ray  feet  did  fall. 

39  Thou  girdest  me  with  strength  for  war 

my  foes  thou  brought'st  down  all. 

40  And  thou  hast  given  to  me  the  necks 

of  all  mine  enemies  : 
That  I  might  them  destroy  and  slay 
who  did  against  me  rise. 

41  They  cried  out,  but  there  was  none 

that  would  or  could  them  save  : 
Yea,  they  did  cry  unto  the  Lpi'd, 
but  he  ao  answer  gave. 
Ee 


&*  PSALM   XJX. 

43  Then  did  I  beat  them  small  as  dust 
before  the  wind  that  flies  : 
And  I  did  cast  them  out  like  dirt 
upon  the  street  that  lies. 

43  Thou  mad'st  me  free  from  people's  strife^ 

and  heathen's  head  to  be: 
A  people  whom  I.  have  not  known* 
shall  service  do  to  me. 

44  At  hearing  they  shall  me  obey  ; 

to  me  they  shall  submit. 
43  Strangers  for  fear  shall  fade  away, 
who  in  close  places  sit. 

48  God  lives,  bless'd  be  my  rock  :  the  Gou 
of  my  health  praised  be. 

47  God  doth  avenge  me,  and  subdues 

the  people  under  me. 

48  He  saves  me  from  mine  enemies  : 

yea,  thou  hast  lifted  me 
Above  my  foes  :  and  from  the  man 
of  violence  set  me  free. 

49  Therefore  to  thee  will  I  give  thanks 

the  heathen  folk  among  : 
And  to  thy  name,  O  Lord,  I  will 

sing  praises  in  a  song. 
30  He  great  deliverance  gives  his  kingj 

he  mercy  doth  extend 
To  David,  his  anointed  one, 

and  his  seed  without  end. 

PSALM  XIX. 

To  the  chief  Musician.  A  Psalm  of  Davib. 

Now  the  books  of  God  were  opened,  not  for  my  trial 
and  condemnation  in  the  last  judgment,  but  for  my  in- 
struction.    Let  my  souUookand  read  therein.     (1)  Th£ 


PSALM  XIX. 


5$ 


book  of  creation  and  providence,  in  which  all  the  works 
of  God  instruct  mankind  in  general,  concerning  the 
eternal  Avisdom,  power  and  goodness,  of  their  Maker, 
ver.  1 — 6.  (2)  The  book  of  inspiration,  the  sure,  the 
right,  the  pure,  the  true,  the  perfect  and  powerful  ora- 
cles of  which  instruct,  convert,  comfort,  and  warm  the 
members  of  the  church  ;  and  in  keeping  of  which  there 
is  an  exceeding  great  and  everlasting  reward  of  glory  ob- 
tained, ver.  7 — 11.  (3)  What  conviction  of  sin!  What 
supplication  for  pardon  of  it,  and  preservation  from  it ; 
and  for  the  acceptance  of  our  duties  through  Jesus'  blood, 
doth  or  ought  to  ensue  upon  a  proper  perusal  of  these 
volumes  of  heaven,  ver.  12 — 14.     - 

WThile  I  sing  these  matters,  let  me,  conscious  of  my 


l  ignorance  and  follv 


in  all  things  consult  the  mind 


of  God.  Let  me  blush  that  my  experience  of  the  pow- 
erful influences  of  God's  word  is  so  scanty  ;  and  that  in 
me,  still  dwell  such  fearful  remains  of  sinful  corruption  : 
Let  me  cry  mightily  to  God,  for  the  subduing  and  des- 
truction thereof. 

THE  heav'ns  God's  glory  do  declare  i 
the  skies  bis  hand- works  preach. 

2  Day  utters  speech  to  day,  and  night 

to  night  doth  knowledge  teach. 

3  There  is  no  speech,  nor  tongue,  to  which 

their  voice  doth  not  extend. 

4  Their  line  is  gone  through  all  the  earthy 

their  worfe  to  the  world's  end. 

In  them  he  set  the  sun  a  tent, 

5  Who  bridegroom-like  forth  goes 
From's  chamber,  as  a  strong  man  doth, 

to  run  his  race,  rejoice. 

6  From  heav'n's  end  is  his  going  forth. 


circling  to  th' 


end  agan 


And  there  is  nothing  from  his  heat 
that  hidden  doth  remain. 

God's  law  is  perfect,  and  converts 
the  soul  in  sin  that  lies  : 


55  PSALM    XX, 

God's  testimony  is  most  sure, 
and  makes  the  simple  wise. 

8  The  statutes  of  the  Lord  are  right, 

and  do  rejoice  the  heart  : 
The  Lord's  command  is  pure,  and  doth 
light  to  the  eyes  impart. 

9  Unspotted  is  the  fear  of  God, 

and  doth  endure  for  ever  : 
The  judgments  of  the  Lord  are  true 
and  righteous  altogether. 

10  They  more  than  gold,  yea,  much  fine  gold, 

to  be  desired  are  : 
Than  honey,  honey  .from  the  comb 
that  droppeth,  sweeter  far. 

1 1  Moreover,  they  thy  servant  wain 

how  he  his  life  should  frame  : 
A  great  reward  provided  is 
for  them  that  keep  the  same. 

12  Who  can  his  errors  understand? 

0  cleanse  thou  me  within 

13  From  secret  faults.     Thy  servant  keep 

from  all  presumptuous  sin  ; 

And  do  not  suffer  them  to  have 

dominion  over  me  : 
Then  righteous  and  innocent 

1  from  much  sin  shall  be. 

14  The  words  which  from  my  mouth  proceed^ 

the  thoughts  sent  from  my  heart, 
Accept,  O  Lord  :  for  thou  my  strength 
and  my  redeemer  art. 

PSALM  XX 

To  the  chief  Musician,  A  Psalm  of  David. 
Probably  this  Psalm  was  composed  to  be  a  prayer  for 


PSALM  3 

success  in  some  particular  expedition  of  David's  wars. 
Here  (1)  the  people  pray  for  their  king,  that  God  would 
grant  him  his  requests  ;  protect,  assist  and  strengthen 
him  in  his  work ;  accept  nis  oblations,  and  succeed  his 
projects  for  the  public  Welfare,  ver.  1  —  I.  (2)  Ti.ey 
triumph  in  God  as  their  only  strength  and  deliverer,  in 
whom  they  shall  be  more  than  conquerors,  ver.  5,  0. 

Let  net  me  forget  Jesus,  for  whom  prayer  fa  made  con- 
tinually :  Jesus  who  shall  daily  be  praised,  and  whom 
the  Father  heareth  always  :  accepts  his  sacrifice,  and 
crowns  him  with  glory  and  honour.  And  let  no  crea- 
ture but  Jehovah  as  my  God  in  Christ,  be  the  ground 
and  the  object  of  all  my  faith  and  expectation. 

JEHOYAH  bear  thzz  in  the  clay 
when  trouble  be  doth  send  : 
And  let  the  name  of  Jacob's  God 
thee  from  all  ill  defend. 
2  O  let  him  help  send  from  above*, 
out  of  his  sanctuary  ; 
From  Sion  his  own  holy  hill, 
let  him  give  strength  to  thee. 

8  Let  him  remember  all  thy  gifts, 

accept  thy  sacrifice  ; 
4*  Grant  thee  thine  heart's  wish,  and  fulifl 

thv  thoughts  and  counsel  wise. 
5  In  thy  salvation  we  will  joy  : 

in  our  God's  name  we  will 
Display  our  banners  :  and  the  Lord 

tiiy  prayers  all  fulfil. 

ft  Now  know  I,  God  his  king  doth  save  : 

he  from  his  holy  heav'n 
Will  hear  him,  with  the  saving  strength 

by  his  own  right  hand  giv'n. 
7  In  chariots  some  put  confidence, 

some  horses  trust  u»8tt  : 


SS  PSALM   XXL 

But  we  remember  will  the  name 
of  our  Lord  God  alone. 

8  We  rise,  and  upright  stand,  while  flicy 

are  bowed  down  and  fall. 

9  Deliver,  Lord,  and  let  the  king 

us  hear  when  we  do  call. 

PSALM  XXL 


To  the  chief  Musician.  A  Psalm,  of  Davis. 

In  this  song  of  thanksgiving,  observe,  (1)  all  the 
joys,  the  honours,  and  happiness  of  kin,;  David,  founded 
in  the  perfections  and  gracious  works  of  God,  ver.  1 — 5. 
(2)  Full  assurance  of  the  stability  of  David's  tl 
and  of  the  discovery  a;id  destruction  of  his  impla< 
©pposers,  ver.  7 — 12.  (i)  Earnest  supplications  to  God, 
for  the  exhile rating  displays  of  las  glory  and  power, 
ver.  13. 

But  chiefly,  my  soul,  behold  here,  the  everlasting  ho- 
nours, joys,    happiness,    and  blissful  influences  of   thy 
eerner!  Behold  how  fixed  in  his  kingdom  and  dig* 
hity,  in  the  infinite,  everi;  sting  and   unchangeable, 
doro,  power,  mercy,  equity,  goodness  and    truth  of  the 
Most  High !    Behold,    what    inexpressible    vengeance 
kindles  upon  and  destroys  his  Jewish;  his  heathen;  his 
bntichristian  ;  and  other  incorrigible  foes  !— R;  joke,  my 
soul,  in  this  God  thy   Saviour.      R  joke  at   the. glory 
ewith  he  is  crowned;    at  the  life  granted  to,  and 
lodged  in  him  :  and  in  his  being  made  blessings  foi  - 
more  to  mem;  blessings  for  evermore  to  me.     A; 
the  ruinous  overthrow  of  his  Jewish  or  otaer  enemies, 
make  me  stand  in  awe  to  provoke  him,  by  presumptuous 
refusal  of  him  or  rebellion  against  him. 


T 


HE  king  in  thy  great  strength,  0  Loru^ 
shall  very  joyful  be  : 
In  thy  salvation  rejoice 
how  veh'mently  shall  he  ! 


PSALM    XXI.  59 

3  Thou  hast  bestowed  upon  him, 
All  that  his  heart  would  have  ; 
And  thou  from  him  didst  not  with-liold 
whatever  his  lips  did  crave. 

3  For  thou  with  blessings  him  prevents! 

of  goodness  manifold  ; 
And  thou  hast  set  upon  his  head 
a  crown  of  purest  gold. 

4  When  he  desired  life  of  thee, 

thou  life  to  him  didst  give  ; 
Ev'n  such  a  length  of  days,  that  he 
for  evermore  should  live. 

o  In  that  salvation  wrought  by  thee. 
his  glory  is  made  great : 
Honour  and  comelv  nuoestv 

t-  Of 

thou  hast  upon  him  set. 

6  Because  that  thou  for  evermore 

most  blessed  hast  him  made  : 
And  thou  hast  with  thy  countenance 
made  him  exceeding  glad. 

7  Because  the  king  upon  the  Lord, 

his  confidence  doth  lay, 
And  through  the  grace  of  the  Most  Hi  all. 
shall  not  be  mov'd  away. 

8  Thine  hand  shall  all  those  men  find  out 

that  en'mies  are  to  thee, 
Ev'n  thy  right  hand  shall  find  out  those 
of  thee  that  haters  be. 

9  Like  fiery  ov?n  thou  shalt  them  make, 

when  kindled  is  thine  ire  : 
God  shall  them  swallow  in  his  wrath, 
devour  them  shall  the  fire. 
iO  Their  fruit  from  earth  thou  shalt  destroy, 
their  seed  men  from  among. 


60 


PSALM    XXII. 


11  For  they,  beyond  their  might,  'gainst  thee 

did  plot  mischief  and  wrong. 

12  Thou  therefore  shalt  make  them  turn  hack, 

when  thou  thy  shaft  shali  place 
Upon  thy  strings^  made  ready  all 
to  fry  against  their  lace. 

13  In  thy  great  power  and  strength,  O  Lord, 

he  thou  exalted  high  : 
So  shall  we  sing  with  joyful  hearts, 
thy  power  praise  shall  we. 

PSALM  XXIL 

To  the  chief  Musician  upon  Aijelet'h  Shah  ah. 
A  Psalm  of  Da  fid. 

Here  the  debasement  and  exaltation  of  David,  king-  of 
Israel;  are  merely  subservient  to,  and  figurative  of  the 
debasement  and  exaltation  of  Jesus  Christ,  our  blessed 
Aijeleth  Shahar,  Hind  of  the  morning.  I.  In  this 
deep  debasement,  we  find  (1)  Bitter  but  kindly  and  believ- 
ing complaints  of  God's  withdrawment, — attended  With 
earnest  attempts  of  faith  to  OjUiet  the  complainei's  soul 
under  it — drawn  from  the  consideration  of  God's  holiness 
ai  d  highness,  and  his  seasonable  deliverance  of  his  peo- 
ple in  former  times,  when  they  cried  to  him,  ver.  1, — 5. 
(2)  Bitter  complaints  of  men's  reproaches  and  con- 
temptuous derision, — attended  with  self-encouragements, 
drawn  from  former  experience  of  God's  early  and  sea- 
sonable care  and  friendship,  ver.  6, — 10.  (3)  Bitter  com- 
plaints of  the  number  ancf  rage  of  enemies,  attended  with 
exquisite  agonies  of  body  and  mind,  and  mingled  with 
earnest  prayers  for  God's  speedy  supports,  assistance, 
and  powerful  deliverance,  ver.  1 1, — 12. 

While  I  sing  these,  let  me  behold  the  vileness,  the 
criminaity,  the  destructive  influence  of  sin !  Let  me  be- 
hold the  sovereignty  of  God,  who  not  only  scourgeth 
every  son  whom  he  receive tb,  but  spared  not  his  only 
begotten  Son-  bin  delivered  him  up  for  us  all !  Behold, 
how  he  hate-  1  now  he  punisheth  cui  sin  !  And  what 
manner  ui  love-  he  bestowed  upon  us,  that  we  might  be 


PSALM   XXII.  6i 

called  the  sons  of  God  !  Behold  !  how  he  commendeth 
his  love  unto  us,  in  that,  while  we  were  yet  sinners, 
Christ  died  for  us  !  and  if  Jesus,  with  patience,  bore  such 
desertion,  reproach,  and  distress  ;  let  me,  in  the  firm 
faith  that  he  did  all  for  me,  and  that  God  is  mkie,  and 
maketh  all  things  work  for  my  good,  study  an  unham- 
pered resignation  to  his  will. 

II.  By  the  typical  exaltation  of  David,  and  the  in- 
crease, happiness,  honour,  and  duration  of  his  kingdom, 
we  have  prefigured  the  glorious  exaltation  of  our  Re- 
deemer, importing,  that  he  should  have  a  church  among 
men  ;  that  his  Father  should  be  glorified  in  them  as  y>  ell 
as  in  him  ; — that  his  true  subjects  should  abound  in  pray- 
er, praise,  spiritual  comfort,  and  everlasting  life  ;  and 
that  his  church  should  be  enlarged  with  multitudes  of 
both  Jews  and  Gentiles  ;  and  should,  to  his  honour,  and 
for  his  worship  and  service,  continue  to  ail  generations, 
ver.  22, — 31. 

-  White  I  sing  this,  let  me  trust,  and  rejoice  in,  and 
plead  his  promises,  relative  to  myself  and  his  church. 
Let  me  ponder,  whether  I  have  heard  his  voice,  shared 
his  saving  pity,  fuasted  on  his  spiritual  provision,  and 
worshipped  him  in  spirit  and  in  truth  ?  And  whether  it 
is  the  desire  of  my  soul  to  cause  his  name  to  be  remem- 
bered to  ali  generations  ?  , 

MY  God,  my  God,  why  hast  thou  me 
forsaken  ?  why  so  far 
Art  thou  from  helping  me,  and  from 
my  words  that  roaring  are  ? 

2  All  day,  my  God,  to  thee  I  cry, 

yet  am  not  heard  by  thee  : 
And  in  the  season  of  the  night 
I  cannot  silent  be. 

3  But  thou  art  holy,  thou  that  dost 

inhabit  Isr  el's  praise. 

4  Our  fathers  hop'd  in  thee,  they  hop'd* 

and  thou  didst  them  release. 


62 


PSALM  XXII. 


5  When  unto  thee  they  sent  their  cry, 

to  them  deliverance  came  ; 
Because  they  put  their  trust  in  thee, 
they  were  not  put  to  shame. 

6  But  as  for  me,  a  worm  I  am, 

and  as  no  man  am  priz'd  : 
Reproach  of  men  I  am,  and  hy 
the  people  am  despised. 

7  All  that  me  see,  laugh  me  to  scorn  : 

shoot  out  the  lip  do  they  ; 
They  nod  and  shake  their  heads  at  me, 
and,  mocking,  thus  do  say, 

8  This  man  did  trust  in  God,  that  he 

would  free  him  by  his  might : 
Let  him  deliver  him,  sith  he 
had  in  him  such  delight. 

9  But  thou  art  he  out  of  the  womb 

that  didst  me  safely  take  : 
When  I  was  on  my  mother's  breasts, 
Thou  me  to  hope  didst  make. 

10  And  I  was  cast  upon  thy  care, 

ev'n  from  the  womb  till  now : 
And  from  my  mothers  belly,  Lord, 
my  God  and  guide  art  thou. 

1 1  Be  not  far  off,  for  grief  is  near, 

and  none  to  help  is  found. 

12  Bulls  many  compass  me  :  strong  bulls 

of  Bashau  me  surround. 

13  Their  mouths  they  open'd  wide  on  me, 

upon  me  gape  did  they, 
Like  to  a  lion  ravening, 
and  roaring  for  his  prey. 

14  Like  water  I'm  ponrd  out,  my  bones 

all  out  of  joint  do  pari : 


PSALM  XXII. 


6'> 


Amidst  my  bowels,  as  the  wax, 
so  melted  is  my  heart. 

15  My  strength  is  like  a  potsherd  dry'dc 

my  tongue  it  cleaveth  fast 
Unto  my  jaws  ;  and  to  the  dust 
of  death  thou  brought  me  hast. 

16  For  dogs  have  compass'd  me  about  : 

the  wicked  that  did  meet 
In  their  assembly,  me  inclos'd  ; 
they  pierced  my  hands  and  feet. 

17  I  all  my  bones  may  tell :  they  do 

upon  me  look  and  stare. 

18  Upon  my  vesture  lots  they  cast, 

and  cloaths  among  them  share. 

19  But  be  not  far,  O  Lord,  my  strength ; 

haste  to  give  help  to  me. 

20  From  sword  my  soul,  from  pow'r  of  dogs, 

my  darling  set  thou  free. 

21  Out  of  the  roaring  lioir  s  mouth 

do  thou  me  shield  and  save : 
For  from  the  horns  of  unicorns 
an  ear  to  me  thou  gave. 

22  I  will  shew  forth  thy  name  unto 

those  that  my  brethren  are  : 
Amidst  the  congregation 
thy  praise  I  will  declare. 

S3  Praise  ye  the  Lord,  who  do  him  fear : 
him  glorify  all  ye 
The  seed  of  Jacob ;  fear  him,  all 
that  IsrePs  children  be. 
24  For  he  despis'd  not,  nor  abhorr'd 
th?  afflicted's  misery  : 
Nor  from  him  hid  his  face,  but  heard 
when  he  to  him  did  cry. 


<M  PSALM    XXIII. 

25  Within  the  congregation  great 

my  praise  shall  be  of  thee  : 
My  vows  before  them  that  him  fear 
shall  be  performed  by  me. 

26  The  meek  shall  eat,  and  shall  be  filFd; 

they  also  praise  shall  give 
Unto  the  Lord,  that  do  him  seek ; 
your  heart  shall  ever  live. 

27  All  end's  of  tli?  earth  remember  shall, 

and  turn  the  Lord  unto  : 
All  kindreds  of  the  nations 

to  him  shall  homage  do  : 
-28  Because  the  kingdom  to  the  Lord 

doth  appertain,  as  his  : 
Likewise  among  the  nations 

the  governor  he  is. 

89  Earth's  fat  ones  eat,  and  worship  shall  : 
all  who  to  dust  descend 
Shall  bow  to  him  :  none  of  them  can 
his  soul  from  death  defend. 
-30  A  seed  shall  service  do  to  him  ; 
unto  the  Lord  it  shall 
Be  for  a  generation 
reckoned  in  ages  all. 
31  They  shall  come,  and  they  shall  declare 
his  truth  and  righteousness, 
Unto  a  people  yet  unborn, 
and  that  he  hath  done  this. 

PSALM  XXIII. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 

Here  is  the  children's  Psnlm,  and  which  is,  in  very 
deed,  a  noted  son^,  0f  aii  the  children  of  God.     Behold 

[I]  New-covenant  relation  to  God,  asafuii  and  everlast- 


PSALM  XXIII,  op 

ing  security  against  hurtful  wants,  ver.  1.  [2]  Pleasant 
experience  of  God's  acting  up  to  his  new-covenant  char- 
acter in  disposing  of,  directing,  assisting,  feasting  and 
comforting  his  people,  ver.  2,  3,  5.  [3]  Well-grounded 
hopes  of  God's  careful  and  seasonable  supplies  ;  and  of 
his  comfortable  presence  and  help  amidst  distress  and 
death  ;  and  of  the  perpetual  and  everlasting  manifestation 
of  his  mercy  and  grace  to  us-ward  ;  and  of  our  endless 
nearness  to,  and  immediate  enjoyment  of  him,  ver.  1,  4, 
5,  6.. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  think  as  before  God,  whether  I 
have  the  experimental  knowledge  of  all  these  things.  Let 
my  soul  be  as  a  daughter  of  the  horse -leech,  crying 
mightily  Give,  Give  what  is  good.  And  let  me  in  all 
these  forms,  taste  and  see  that  God  is  good. 

THE  Lord's  my  shepherd,  I'll  not  want, 
%  He  makes  me  do-wn  to  lie 
In  pastures  green  :  he  leadeth  me 
the  quiet  waters  by. 
8  My  soul  he  doth  restore  again  $ 
and  me  to  walk  doth  make 
Within  the  paths  of  righteousness, 
ev'n  for  his  own  name  sake. 

.4  Tea,  though  I  walk  in  death's  dark  val% 
yet  will  I  fear  none  ill : 
For  thou  art  with  me,  and  thy  rod 
and  staff  me  comfort  still. 

5  My  table  thou  hast  furnished, 

in  presence  of  my  fo^s  : 
Mine  head  thou  dost  with  oil  anoint* 
and  my  cup  overflows. 

6  Goodness  and  mercy  all  my  life 

shall  surely  follow  me  ; 
And  in  God's  house  for  evermorft 
my  dwelling-place  snail  be, 
Ff 


(      66     | 

PSALM  XXIV. 

Probably  this  psalm  was  penned  for  the  use  of  the 
Hebrews,  when  David  brought  up  the  ark  of  God  to  Je^ 
rusalem  ;  or,  when  Solomon  brought  it  into  the  temple, 
2.  Sara.  vi.  1  Kings  viii.  in  order  to  raise  their  hearts 
above  their  external  ceremonies,  to  a  reception  of,  and 
walking  in  Christ,  who  was  thereby  prefigured.  Ob- 
serve [1]  Christ's  kingdom  of  nature,  comprehending 
the  whole  world  and  all  the  inhabitants  thereof,  ver.  1,  2. 
[2]  His  kingdom  of  grace  in  the  nature  of  it ;  the  gra- 
cious character  of  its  subjects;  and  their  character  to 
their  everlasting  happiness  above,  ver.  3 — 6.  [3]  Under 
the  figure  of  a  call  to  admit  the  ark,  we  have  a  solemn 
summons,  issued  forth  by  God,  for  the  heavens  to  re- 
ceive Jesus  our  glorious  and  almighty  King,  into  their 
blissful  abodes  in  his  ascension  :  and  for  us  to  receive 
him  into  our  hearts  and  societies  below,  ver.  7 — 10. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  be  affected  with  the  double  claim 
the  Redeemer  hath  on  me — as  his  creature,  and  as  his 
ransomed  one.  Let  me  try  whether  I  possess  the  dis- 
tinguishing characters  of  a  real  saint  :  and  whether  I 
have  received  an  abundance  of  the  gift  of  righteousness, 
and  of  blessedness  from  the  God  of  my  salvation.  Let 
me  charge,  let  me  rouse  up  all  my  inward  powers  to  re- 
ceive Jesus  Christ  the  Lord,  as  made  of  God  unto  me, 
wisdom,  and  righteousness,  and  sanctifjeation,  and  re- 
demption, 

THE  earth  belongs  unto  the  Lord, 
and  all  that  it  contains  ; 
l  ne  world  that  is  inhabited, 
and  all  that  there  remains. 
%  For  the  foundations  thereof 
he  on  the  seas  did  lay, 
And  he  hath  it  established 
upon  the  floods  to  stay. 

§  Who  is  the  man  that  shall  ascend 
imte  the  hill  of  G«d  ? 


II 

PSALM    XXV.  67 

Or  who  within  his  holy  place 

shall  have  a  firm  abode  ? 
4  Whose  hands  are  clean,  whose  heart  is  pure, 

and  unto  vanity 
Who  hath  not  lifted  up  his  soul, 

nor  sworn  deceitfully. 

£  He  from  th?  Eternal  shall  receive 
the  blessings  him  upon, 
And  righteousness,  ev'n  from  the  God 
of  his  salvation. 

6  This  is  the  generation 

that  after  him  enquire, 
O  Jacob,  who  do  seek  thy  face 
with  their  whole  heart's  desire. 

7  Ye  gates,  lift  up  your  heads  on  high* 

ye  doors  that  last  for  aye, 
Be  lifted  up,  that  so  the  Kiiig 
of  glory  enter  may. 

8  But  who  of  glory  is  the  King  ? 

the  mighty  Lord  is  this, 
Ev'n  that  same  Lord,  that  great  in  mighi 
and  strong  in  battle  is, 

9  Ye  gates  lift  up  your  heads,  ye  doors, 

doors  that  do  last  for  aye, 
Be  lifted  up,  that  so  the  King 
of  glory  enter  may. 

10  But  who  is  he  that  is  the  King 

of  glory  ?  who  is  this  ? 
The  Lord  of  hosts,  and  none  but  hej 
the  King  of  glory  is. 

PSALM  XXV. 

A  Psalm  of  Da  vid. 
In  singing  this  psalm  let  me  observe  [1]  What  serious 


& 


PSALM    XXV. 


work  prayer  is,  what  lifting  up  of  soul  ;  what  directing:' 
of  eyes  to  God,  and  fixing  them  on  him,  must  be  in  it, 
ver.  1 — 15  [2]  What  mercies  ought  to  be  prayed  for  ; 
— pardon  of  sin,  ver.  6,  7, — 18.  direction  in  duty,  ver.  4, 
5.  familiar  intimacy  with  God,  ver.  10.  deliverance  from 
trouble,  ver.  17,  18.  preservation  from  adversaries,  ver, 
20,  2 1.  And  in  fine,  safety  and  deliverance  to  the  church, 
ver.  22.  [3]  What  pleas  are  proper  to  be  used  in  pray- 
er; as  the  trust  we  have  reposed  in  God,  ver.  2,  3,  5 — 
20,  21.  Our  own  divinely,  affected  sincerity  in  the  Lord's 
way,  ver.  21.  Our  distress  and  the  malice  of  our  ene- 
mies, ver.  2,  16 — 19.  But  chiefly  the  mercy  that  is  in 
God,  and  the  glory  which  redounds  to  his  name  from  his 
bestowing  of  new-covenant  favours,  ver.  6,  7 — H.  [4] 
Strong  encouragements  to  prayer  taken  from  the  per- 
fections of  God's  nature  ;  and  from  his  promises  of  in- 
struction and  direction  ;  and  from  the  fulness  and  grace 
of  his  covenant  ;  and  from  his  delight,  in  allowing  men 
familiar  intimacy  and  fellowship  with  himself,  ver  8 — 14. 

Let  these  things,  my  soul,  be  the  object  of  thy  strict" 
est  care  and  attention,  in  all  thy  addresses  to  God. 


T 


O  thee  I  lift  my  soul. 
%  O  Lord,  I  trust  in  thee 


My  God  let  ine  not  be  asham'd, 

nor  foes  triumph  o'er  me. 
Let  none  that  wait  on  thee 

be  put  to  shame  at  all ; 
But  those  that  without  cause  transgress^ 

let  shame  upon  them  fall. 

Shew  me  thy  ways,  O  Lord  : 

thy  paths,  O  teach  thou  me  : 
And  do  thou  lead  me  in  thy  truths 

therein  my  teacher  be  : 
For  thou  art  God  that  dost 

to  me  salvation  send, 
And  I  upon  thee  all  the  day 

expecting*  do  attend. 


"      PSALM    XXV.  69 

I 

6  Thy  tender  mercies,  Lord, 

I  pray  thee  to  remember, 
And  loving-kindnesses  :  for  they 
have  been  of  old  for  ever. 

7  My  sins  and  faults  of  youth 

do  thou,  O  Lord,  forget ; 
After  thy  mercy  think  on  in ', 
and  for  thy  goodness  great 

8  God  good  and  upright  is  : 

the  way  he'll  sinners  show. 

9  The  meek  in  judgment  he  will  guide, 

and  make  his  path  to  know. 

10  The  whole  paths  of  the  Lord 

are  truth  and  mercy  sure, 
To  those  that  do  his  covenant  keep, 
and  testimonies  pure. 

1 1  Now  for  thine  own  name's  sake, 

O  Lord,  I  thee  intreat 
To  pardon  mine  iniquity  ; 

for  it  is  very  great. 
i%  What  man  is  he  that  fears 

the  Lord,  and  doth  him  serve  ? 
Him  shall  he  teach  the  way  that  he 

shall  chuse  and  still  observe. 

13  His  soul  shall  dwell  at  ease, 

and  his  posterity 
Shall  flourish  still,  and  of  the  earth 
inheritors  shall  be. 

14  With  those  that  fear  him' is 

the  secret  of  the  Lord  : 
The  knowledge  of  his  covenant 
he  will  to  them  afford. 

15  Mine  eyes  upon  the  Lord 

continually  are  set : 


70  PSALM   XXV. 

For  he  it  is  that  shall  hring  forth 
my  feet  out  of  the  net. 

16  Turn  unto  me  thy  face, 

and  to  me  mercy  show  : 
Because  that  I  am  desolate, 
and  am  brought  very  low. 

17  My  heart's  griefs  are  increased, 

me  from  distress  relieve. 
IS  See  mine  affliction,  and  my  pain> 

and  all  my  sins  forgive. 
19  Consider  thou  my  foes, 

because  they  many  are, 
And  it  a  cruel  hatred  is 

which  they  against  me  bean. 

60  O  do  thou  keep  my  soul, 

do  thou  deliver  me  : 
And  let  me  never  be  asham'd^ 
because  I  trust  in  thee. 

61  Let  uprightness  and  truth 

keep  me,  who  thee  attend. 
H%  Redemption,  Lord,  to  Israel 
from  all  his  troubles  send. 

SECOND  VERSION. 

^O  thee  I  lift  my  soul,  O  Lord  : 
2  My  God,  I  trust  in  thee  : 
"Let  me  not  be  asham'd  ;  let  not 
my  foes  triumph  o'er  me. 

3  Yea,  let  thou  none  ashamed  be 

that  do  on  thee  attend  : 
Ashamed  let  them  be,  O  Lord, 
who  without  cause  offend. 

4  Thy  ways,  Lord,  shew,  teach  me  thy  path& 

5  Lead  me  in  truth,  teach  me  : 


PSALM  xxv.  r\ 

For  of  my  safety  thou  art  God, 
all  day  1  wait  on  thee. 

6  Thy  mercies  that  most  tender  are, 

do  thou,  O  Lord,  rememher, 
And  loving  kindnesses  :  for  they 
have  been  of  old  for  ever. 

7  Let  not  the  errors  of  my  youth, 

nor  sins  remembred  be : 
In  mercy  for  thy  goodness'  sake, 
O  Lord,  remember  me. 

8  The  Lord  is  good  and  gracious, 

he  upright  is  also  : 
He  therefore  sinners  will  instruct, 
in  ways  that  they  should  go. 

9  The  meek  and  lowly  he  will  guide 

in  judgment  just  alway : 
To  meek  and  poor  afflicted  ones 
he'll  clearly  teach  his  way. 

10  The  whole  paths  of  the  Lord  our  God 

are  truth  and  mercy  sure, 
To  such  as  keep  his  covenant, 
and  testimonies  pure. 

11  Now  for  thine  own  name  sake,  O  Lord, 

I  humbly  thee  intreat 

To  pardon  mine  iniquity  : 

For  it  is  very  great. 

12  What  man  fears  God  ?  him  shall  he  teach 

the  way  that  he  shall  choose. 

13  His  soul  shall  dwell  at  ease,  his  seed 

the  earth,  as  heirs,  shall  use. 

14  The  secret  of  the  Lord  is  with 

such  as  do  fear  his  name  ; 
And  he  his  holy  covenant 
will  manifest  to  them. 


72  PSALM    XXVI. 

15  Towards  the  Lcrd  my  waiting  eyes 

continually  are  set : 
For  he  it  is  that  shall  bring  forth 
my  feet  out  of  the  net. 

16  O  turn  thee  nnto  me,  O  God, 

have  mercy  me  upon  : 
Because  I  solitary  am, 
and  in  affliction. 

17  Enlarged  the  griefs  are  of  mine  heart : 

me  from  distress  relieve. 

18  See  mine  affliction  and  my  pain, 

and  all  my  sins  forgive. 

19  Consider  thou  mine  enemies, 

because  they  many  are, 
And  it  a  cruel  hatred  is, 

which  they  against  me  bear. 

20  O  do  thou  keep  my  soul,  O  God, 

do  thou  deliver  me  ; 
Let  me  not  be  asham'd ;  for  I 
do  put  my  trust  in  thee. 

SI  O  let  integrity  and  truth 

keep  me  who  thee  attend. 
22  Redemption,  Lord,  to  Israel, 

from  all  his  troubles  send. 

PSAI.M   XXVI. 

A  Ptahn  of  Da  vid. 

Here  fll  David  solemnly  appeals  to  God,  concerning; 
his  integrity  ;  his  constant  regard  to  him  and  his  grace  ; 
his  regular  attendance  upon  instituted  ordinances  ;  and 
his  fixed  aversion  to  sin  and  sinners,  ver.  1 — 8.  [2]  He 
deprecates  from  himself,  the  condemnation  of  the  wick- 
ed, and  his  being  shut  up  in  society  with  them,  ver.  9, 
40.   [3]  Depending  on  the  mercy  of  God,  he  resolves 


I 


PSALM    XXVI.  : 

to  hold  fast  his  integrity,  and  maintain  his  confident  hopes 
of  eternal  life,  ver.  11,  12. 

While  I  sine,  let  the  perfect  God  man  come  into  my 
mind.  Let  me  wash  myself  in  his  blood,  and  so  compass 
God's  altar  with  songs  of  praise  for  his  favours.  Mak- 
ing Jesus'  example  my  pattern  ;  let  his  ordinances  be 
my  pleasure,  and  his  people  my  sole  intimates  unci  famil- 
iars on  earth, 

JUDGK  me,  O  Lord,  for  I  have  walk'd 
in  mine  integrity  : 
I  trusted  also  in  the  Lord ; 
slide  therefore  shall  not  I. 
%  Examine  me,  and  do  me  prove  : 
try  heart  and  reins,  O  God. 

3  For  thy  love  is  before  mine  eyes, 

thy  truth's  paths  I  have  trode. 

4  With  persons  vain  I  have  not  sat, 

nor  with  dissemblers  gone. 

5  TV  assembly  of  ill  men  I  hate  ; 

to  sit  with  such  I  shun. 

6  Mine  hands  in  innocence,  0  Lord, 

I'll  wash  and  purify  : 
So  to  thine  holy  altar  go, 
and  compass  it  will  I. 

7  That  I  with  voice  of  thanksgiving, 

may  publish  and  declare, 
And  tell  of  all  thy  mighty  works 
that  great  and  wond'rous  are. 

5  The  habitation  of  thy  house, 

Lord,  I  have  loved  well ; 
Yea,  in  that  place  I  do  delight, 
where  doth  thine  honour  dwell. 

6  With  sinners  gather  not  my  soul, 

and  such  as  blood  would  spill 
G 


•74  PSALM   XXVII. 

10  Whose  hands  mischievous  plots;  right  hand 

corrupting  hribes  do  fill. 

1 1  But  as  for  me  I  will  walk  on 

in  mine  integrity  : 
Do  thou  redeem  me,  and,  O  Lord, 
be  merciful  to  me. 

12  My  foot  upon  an  even  place 

doth  stand  with  sted fastness  ; 
Within  the  congregations 
th'  Eternal  I  will  bless. 

PSALM  XXVII. 

A  Psalm  of  Da  vid. 

For  thy  instruction,  my  soul,  behold  here.  (1)  The 
holy  courage  and  undaunted  bravery  of  true  faith,  amidst 
manifold  dangers  and  enemies,  ver.  1 — 3.(2)  What  ear- 
nestness there  ought  to  be  ;  and  what  pleasure,  profit, 
and  honour  there  are,  in  the  study  of  familiar  fellowship 
with  God,  ver.  4,  5,  6.  (3)  Fervent  desires  with  strong 
cries  and  supplications,  for  the  gracious  favour,  spiritual 
presence,  and  saving  direction  and  protection  of  God, 
ver.  7 — 12.(4)  Strong  and  encouraging  expectations  of 
help,  favour  aid  strength  from  God,  ver.  10,  13,  14. 

While  I  sing,  let  my  soul  enter  the  very  marrow  of 
these  matters.  Let  God  himself  be  relied  on,  as  my 
trust,  my  Saviour,  and  my  all  in  all.  Let  my  heart 
burn  with  superlative  desires  after  the  knowledge  and  en- 
joyment of  him.  Let  nothing  less  than  the  most  familiar 
communion  with  him  here,  and  the  full  enjoyment  of  him 
hereafter  satisfy  my  longings.  Let  me  readily  embrace 
every  invitation  to  seek  his  face.  Amidst  enemies  and 
distresses  unnumbered,  let  me  always  believe  in,  wait 
for,  and  boast  of  God  my  only  Lord. 

THE  Lo»d?s  my  light  and  saving  healthy 
Who  shall  make  me  dismay M  ? 
My  life's  strength  is  the  Loi  d,  of  whom 
then  shall  I  be  afraid  ? 


PSALM    XXVII. 

■2  When  as  mine  enemies  and  foes, 
most  wicked  persons  all, 
To  eat  my  flesh  against  me  rose, 
they  stumbled  and  did  fall. 
3  Against  me  though  an  host  encamp, 
my  heart  yet  fearless  is  : 
Though  war  against  me  rise,  I  will 
be  confident  in  this. 
4v  One  thing  I  of  the  Lord  desir  d, 
and  will  seek  to  obtain, 
That  all  days  of  my  life  I  may 
within  God's  house  remain. 

That  I  the  beauty  of  the  Lord 

behold  may  and  admire, 
And  that  I  in  his  holy  place 

may  reverently  enquire. 
9  For  he  in  his  pavilion  shall 

me  hide  in  evil  days  : 
In  secret  of  his  tent  me  hide, 

and  on  a  rock  me  raise. 
6  And  now,  ev'n  at  this  present  time, 

mine  head  shall  lifted  be, 
Above  all  those  that  are  my  foes, 

and  round  encompass  me : 
Therefore  unto  his  tabernacle 

I'll  sacrifices  bring 
Of  joyfulness,  I'll  sing,  yea,  I 

to  &od  will  praises  sing. 
y  O  Lord,  give  ear  unto  my  voice, 

when  I  do  cry  to  thee  : 
Upon  me  also  mercy  have, 

and  do  thou  answer  me. 
8  When  thou  didst  say,  seek  ye  my  face^ 

then  unto  thee  reply 


re  psalm  xxviii. 

Thus  did  my  heart,  above  all  things 
thy  face,  Lord,  seek  will  I. 

9  Far  from  me  hide  not  thou  thy  face, 

put  not  away  from  thee 
Thy  servant  in  thy  wrath  :  thou  hast 

an  helper  been  to  me. 
O  God  of  my  salvation 

me  leave  not,  nor  forsake  : 

10  Though  me  my  parents  both  should  leave; 

the  Lord  will  me  up  take. 

11  O  Lord,  instruct  me  in  thy  way, 

to  me  a  leader  be 
In  a  plain  path,  because  of  those 

that  hatred  bear  to  me. 
L2  Give  me  not  to  mine  enemies  will ; 

for  witnesses  that  lie, 
Against  me  risen  are,  and  such 

as  breathe  out  cruelty. 

13  1  fainted  had,  unless  that  I 
believed  had  to  see, 
The  Lord's  own  goodness  in  the  land  - 
of  them  that  living  be. 
14?  Wait  on  the  Lord,  and  be  thou  strong- 
and  he  shall  strength  afford 
Unto  thine  heart,  yea,  do  thou  wait, 
I  say,  upon  the  Lord. 

PSALM  XXVIII. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 

Observe  here,  (!)  David,  amidst  great  distress,  ear- 
nestly supplicating  deliverance  from  bis  God,  ver.  1 — 3. 
(2)  His  implacable  enemies  doomed  to  the  just  punish- 
ment  of   their  sin,  ver.  4,  5.     (3)  Himself  triumphing 

in  God,  as  the  hearer  of  his  prayers,  and  as  his  piotec- 


PSALM  XX VIII. 


77 


tor,  help  and  strength,  ver.  6 — 8.  (4)  His  solemn  sup- 
plication, for  salvation  and  blessedness  ;  for  nourishment.-, 
honour,  and  safety  to  the  people  of  God,  ver.  9. 

Wfiile  I  remember  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  whose  cries  in 
trouble  were  so  vehement ;  whose  implacable  enemies 
incur  such  fearful  misery  ;  and  who  being  exalted  to  the 
right  hand  of  God,  and  made  full  of  joy  with  his  counte- 
nace,  maketh  continual  intercession  for  his  chosen  race  ; 
let  my  soul  lift  up  her  voice  to  God  for  rich  and  ever* 
lasting-  blessings  to  myself  and  his  church. 

TO  thee  I'll  cry,  O  Lord,  my  rock, 
hold  not  thy  peace  to  me  ; 
jLest  like  those  that  to  pit  descend, 
I  by  thy  silence  be. 
%  The  voice  hear  of  my  humble  pray?rs, 
when  unto  thee  I  cry  ; 
When  to  thy  holy  oracle 
I  lift  mine  hands  on  his:h. 

3  With  ill  men  draw  me  not  away,     _ 

that  work  iniquity ; 
That  speak  peace  to  their  friends,  while  in 
their  hearts  doth  mischief  lie. 

4  Give  them  according  to  their  deeds 

and  ills  endeavoured  : 
And  as  their  handy- works  deserve, 
to  them  be  rendered. 

5  God  shall  not  build,  but  them  destroy, 

who  would  not  understand 
The  Lord's  own  works,  nor  did  regard 
the  doing  of  his  hand. 

6  For  ever  blessed  be  the  Lord ; 

for  graciously  he  heard 
The  voice  of  my  petitions, 
and  prayers  did  regard. 


78  PSALM  XXIX. 

7  The  Lord's  my  strength  and  shield,  my  heart 

upon  him  did  rely, 
And  I  am  helped  ;  hence  my  heart 

doth  joy  exceedingly ; 
And  with  my  song  1  will  him  praise. 

8  Their  strength  is  God  alone  : 
He  also  is  the  saving  strength 

of  his  anointed  One. 

9  0  thine  own  people  do  thou  save, 

bless  thine  inheritance : 
Them  also  do  thou  feed,  and  them 
for  evermore  advance. 

PSALM  XXIX. 

A  Psalm  of  Da  vid. 

This  psalm  was  piobabiy  composed  on  the  occasion 
of  a  thunder-storm.  It  is  a  solemn  charge  from  heaven 
to  great  men  to  worship  and  glorify  God  ;  who  (1)  in  his 
magnificence  ai.d  power  thundereth  in  the  most  teinbie, 
alarming,  and  destructive  maim  r,  ver.  1 — 9.  (2)  YVi.o 
is  supreme  governor  of  the  woiid,  and  besioweih  strength, 
jmd  peace  on* his  peculiar  people,  ver.  10,   11. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  by  f.dih,  behold  tne  glory  of  God 
in  Christ,  and  be  filled  with  reverential  awe  of  his  power 
and  grace.  And  while  1  adore  sis  perfections,  admire 
and  praise  .  i-,  excellencies,  let  Jerusalem  come  into  my 
piind  •  .me:  iet  me  apprehend  the  piomise,  and  pour  forth 
a  pr  iyei  foi  the  remnant  which  is  left. 

GIVE  ye  unto  the  Lord,  ye  sons 
that  of  the  mighty  be, 
All  strength  and  glory  to  the  Lord 
with  cheerfulness  give  ye. 
%  Unte  the  Lord  the  glory  give 
that  to  his  name  is  due  ; 
And  in  the  beauty  of  holiness 
untu  Jehovah  bow* 


PSALM  XXX.  f£ 

8  Tlie  Lord's  voice  on  the  waters  is : 

the  God  of  Majesty 
Both  thunder,  and  on  multitudes 
of  waters  sitteth  he. 

4  A  powerful  voice  it  is  that  comes 

out  of  the  Lord  most  high  : 
The  voice  of  that  great  Lord  is  full 
of  glorious  majesty. 

5  The  voice  of  the  Eternal  doth 

asunder  cedars  tear : 
Yea,  God  the  Lord  doth  cedars  break 

that  Lebanon  doth  bear. 
d  He  makes  them  like  a  calf  to  skip  : 

ev?n  that  great  Lebanon, 
And  like  to  a  young  unicorn 

the  mountain  Sirion. 

7  God's  voice  divides  the  flames  of  Are  : 

6  The  desert  it  doth  shake  : 

The  Lord  doth  make  the  wilderness 
of  Kadesh  all  to  quake. 

9  God's  voice  doth  make  the  hinds  to  calvfy 

it  makes  the  forests  bare ; 
And  in  his  temple  ev'ry  one 
his  glory  doth  declare. 

10  The  Lord  sits  on  the  floods  :  the  Lord 

si's  King  and  ever  shall. 

11  The  Lord  will  give  his  people  strength, 

and  with  peace  bless  them  all. 

PSALM  XXX. 

A  Psalm  and   Song  at  the  d  die  at  ion  of  the  house  of 
David. 

In  this  psalm  composed  for  the  dedication  of  the  new 
paiace,  wiiicii  David  nad  built  for  hiraseif  ut  Jerusalem^ 


PSALM   XXX. 


tn.  v.  11.  or  for  the  dedication  of  it,  after  it  had  been 
polluted  by  Absalom,  2  Sun.  xvi.  He  (j)  offers  thanks- 
giving to  God  for  the  answering  of  iiis  prayers;  the 
Overthrowing  of  his  enemies;  and  the  preserving  of  his 
life,  ver.  1 — 3,  11,  12.  (2)  _He  calls  and  chargeth 
others,  to  praise  the  Lord  on  account  of  the  purity  of  his 
nature,  the  short  duration  of  his  frowns,  and  the  sweet- 
ness of  his  favours,  ver.  4,  5.  (3)  He  remarks,  how 
his  carnal  security  under  prosperity  had  occasioned 
his  sudden  fall  into  divine  hidings  and  Frowns,  ver.  6, 
7.  (4)  He  recollects  what  supplications  he  had  made 
to  God,  in  his  former  distress,  ver^flB — 10.  (5)  He 
triumphs  in  the  kindness  of  God  towiRs  him  ;  and  re- 
solves to  praise  and  thank  him  for  evermore  on  account 
of  it,  ver.  11,12.     ~ 

While  I  sing,  let  me  with  grateful  heart  remember 
the  Lord's  mercies.  Let  me  remember  my  own  follies  ; 
and  how  the  Lord  corrected  me  for  them  Let  me  look 
after  my  prayers  and  wail  for  an  answer.  And  the  near- 
er my  end  draweth,  let  my  heart  and  mouth  be  the  more 
abundantly  filled  with  the  high  praises  of  my  God,  and 
my  saviour. 


IORD,  I  will  thee  extol,  for  thou 
^  hast  lifted  me  on  high, 
And  over  me  thou  to  rejoice 
mad'st  not  mine  enemy. 
%  0  thou  who  art  the  Lord  my  God, 
I  in  distress  to  thee 
"With  loud  cries  lifted  up  my  voice, 
and  thou  hast  healed  me. 

3  O  Lord,  my  soul  thou  hast  brought  up, 
and  rescued  from  the  grave  : 
That  I  to  pit  should  not  go  down, 
alive  thou  didst  me  save. 
4-  O  ye  that  are  his  holy  ones, 
sing  praise  unto  the  Lord  : 
And  give  unto  him  thanks  when  you 
his  holiness  record. 


PSALM  XXXI.  SI 

5  For  but  a  moment  lasts  his  wrath  ; 
life  in  his  favour  lies  : 
Weeping  may  for  a  night  endure, 
at  morn  doth  joy  arise. 

0  In  my  prosperity  I  said, 

that  nothing  shall  me  move. 

7  O  Lord,  thou  hast  my  mountain  made 

to  stand  strong  by  thy  love. 

But  when  that  thou,  O  gracious  God, 

didst  hide  thy  face  from  me, 
Then  quickly  was  my  prosperous  state 

turn'd  into  misery, 

8  Wherefore  unto  the  Lord  my  cry 

I  caused  to  ascend : 
My  humble  supplication 
I  to  the  Lord  did  send. 

9  What  profit  is  there  in  my  blood, 

when  I  go  down  to  pit  ? 
Shall  unto  thee  the  dust  give  praise? 
thy  truth  declare  shall  it  ? 

10  Hear,  Lord,  have  mercy,  help  me  Lord. 

1  i       Thou  turned  hast  my  sadness 

To  dancing  ;  yea,  my  sackcloth  loos'd 
and  girded  me  with  gladness  : 

12  That  sing  thy  praise  my  glory  may, 
and  never  silent  be  : 
O  Lord  my  God,  for  evermore 
I  will  give  thanks  to  thee. 

PSALM  XXXI. 

To  the  chief  Musician.  A  Psalm  cf  David. 

Observe   here    (1)  David's  solemn  professions  of  his 
dependence  upon  God,  and  his  prayers  for  support  and 


82  PSALM   XXXI. 

deliverance,  ver.  1 — 8.  (2)  His  sad  complaints  of  in- 
ward grief,  bodily  weakness,  unkindness  of  friends,  un- 
just censures  of  enemies,  and  horror  of  death  ;  attended 
with  a  solemn  commitment  of  himself  to  God's  mercy 
and  care,  and  earnest  supplication  for  deliverance  from 
enemies  ver.  9 — 18.  (3)  Amidst  admiration  of  God's 
kindness  to  his  people,  and  thanksgiving  for  favours  to 
himself,  he  encourageth  himself  and  others  firmly  to 
trust  in  God,  ver.  19 — ,24. 

While  I  sing  let  me  be  deeply  affected  with  my  sores, 
my  maladies,  and  troubles  ;  and  cast  all  my  burdens  on 
the  Lord.  In  the  assured  faith  that  he  is  God,  even  my 
God,  let  me  admire  his  gracious  thoughts,  words  and 
deeds  to  me- ward ;  and  commit  myself  wholly  to  his 
care  and  protection. 

IN  thee,  O  Lord,   I  put  my  trust, 
sham'd  let  me  never  be  : 
According  to  thy  righteousness, 
do  thou  deliver  me. 
£  Bow  down  thine  ear  to  me  with  speedy 
send  me  deliverance  : 
To  save  me  my  strong  rock  be  thou, 
and  my  house  of  defence. 

%  Because  thou  art  my  rock,  and  thee 
I  for  my  fortress  take  : 
Therefore  do  thou  me  lead  and  guide, 
ev'n  for  thine  own  name's  sake. 

4  And  sith  thou  art  my  strength,  therefore 

pull  me  out  of  the  net, 
Which  they  in  subtilty  for  me 
so  privily  have  set. 

5  Inio  thine  hands  I  do  commit 

my  sp'rit,  for  thou  art  he, 
O  thou  Jehovah,  God  of  truth^ 
that  hast  redeemed  me. 

6  Those  that  do  lying  vanities 

regard,  I  have  abhorr  d  * 


PSALM   XXXI. 

But  as  for  me,  my  confidence 

is  fixed  on  the  Lord. 
f  I'll  in  thy  mercy  gladly  joy : 

for  thou  my  miseries 
Considered  hast ;  thou  hast  my  soul 

known  in  adversities  : 

8  And  thou  hast  not  inclosed  me 

within  the  enemy's  hand  ; 
And  by  thee  have  my  feet  been  made 
In  a  large  room  to  stand. 

9  O  Lord,  upon  me  mercy  have, 

for  trouble  is  on  me  : 
Mine  eye,  my  belly,  and  my  soul, 
with  grief  consumed  be. 

10  Because  my  life  with  grief  is  spent, 

my  years  with  sighs  and  groans  : 
My  strength  doth  fail  5  and  for  my  sia 
consumed  are  my  bones. 

Ill  was  a  scorn  to  all  my  foes, 

and  to  my  friends  a  fear ; 
And  specially  reproach'd  of  those 

that  were  my  neighbours  near  : 
When  they  me  saw,  they  from  me  fled, 

12  Ewn  so  I  am  forgot, 

As  men  are  out  of  mind  when  dead  : 
I'm  like  a  broken  pot. 

13  For  slanders  I  of  many  heard, 

fear  compassed  me,  while  they 
Against  me  did  consult  and  plot, 
to  take  my  life  away. 

14  But  as  for  me,  O  Lord^  my  trust 

upon  thee  I  did  lay ; 
And  I  to  thee,  thou  art  my  God7 
did  confidently  say. 


84  PSALM    XXXI. 

15  My  times  fire  wholly  in  thine  hand  5 

do  thou  deliver  me 
From  their  hands,  that  mine  enemies 
and  persecutors  he. 

16  Thy  countenance  to  shine  do  thou 

upon  thy  servant  make  : 
Unto  me  give  salvation, 

for  thy  great  mercies'  sake. 

17  Let  me  not  be  ashanr  d,  O  Lord, 

for  on  thee  calFd  I  have : 
Let  wicked  men  he  sham*  d,  let  them 
be  silent  in  the  grave. 

18  To  silence  put  the  lying  lips, 

that  grievous  things  do  say, 
And  hard  reports  in  pride  and  scorn, 
on  righteous  men  do  lay. 

19  How  great's  the  goodness  thou  for  them 

that  fear  thee  keep'st  in  store  5 
And  wrought'st  for  them  that  trust  in  thee 
the  sons  of  men  before  ! 
j2G  In  secret  of  thy  presence,  thou 

shalt  hide  them  from  man's  pride  : 
From  strife  of  tongues  thou  closely  shalt, 
as  in  a  tent  them  hide. 

21  All  praise  and  thanks  be  to  the  Lord"! 

for  he  hath  magnified 
His  wondrous  love  to  me,  within 
a  citv  for  tiiied. 

22  i^or  from  thine  eyes  cut  off  I  am, 

(I  in  my  haste  had  said,) 
My  voice  yet  hcard'st  thou,  when  to  thee 
with  cries  my  moan  I  made. 
€3  O  love  ihe  Lord,  all  ye  his  saints  : 
.  because  the  Lord  doth  guard 


PSALM    XXXIL  85 

The  faithful,  and  lie  plenteeusly 

proud  doers  doth  reward* 
&4i  Be  of  good  courage,  and  he  strength 

unto  your  heart  shall  send. 
All  ye  whos«  hope  and  confidence 

doth  on  the  Lord  depend. 

PSALM  XXXII. 

A  Psalm  of  David.  Maschil. 

Perhaps  this  Psalm  was  composed  for  the  great  clay  of 
the  national  atonement,  on  the  tenth  day  of  the  seventh 
month;  Lev.  xvi.  In  it  observe  (1)  the  exceeding 
riches  of  the  grace  of  God,  manifested  in  blessing  men 
with  forgiveness  of  sin,  and  with  protection  amidst  dan- 
gers, and  direction  in  duty;  ver.  J,  2,  7,  8.  (2)  The 
indispensable  duty  of  them  who  desire  new  covenant 
blessings ;  viz.  to  acknowledge  their  offences  to  God  ; 
to  implore  his  favour,  which  they  need  ;  to  walk  humbly 
and  circumspectly  before  him,  and  to  rejoice  in  him  as 
God  and  their  God  ;  ver.  3 — 6.  9 — 1 1. 

While  I  am  truly  conscious  of  my  sinfulness,  and 
deeply  affected  therewith,'  let  the  faith  and  experience  of 
Jesus'  full  pardon  of  my  sins,  and  of  the  communications 
of  his  grace,  melt  my  heart,  and  animate  me  to  every 
commanded  duty. 

O  Blessed  is  the  man,  to  whom 
is  freely  pardoned 
All  the  transgression  he  hath  done, 
Whose  sin  is  covered. 
%  Bless' d  is  the  man  to  whom  the  Lord 
imputeth  not  his  sin, 
And  in  whose  sp'rit  there  is  no  guile, 
nor  fraud  is  found  therein. 

3  When  as  I  did  refrain  my  speech, 
nvA  silent  was  my  tongue ; 
H 


36  PSALM    XXXII, 

My  bones  then  waxed  old,  because 
I  roared  all  day  long. 

4  For  upon  me,  both  day  and  night, 

thine  hand  did  heavy  lie  ; 
So  that  my  moisture  turner  is 
in  summer's  drought  thereby. 

5  I  thereupon  have  unto  thee 

my  sin  acknowledged, 
And  likewise  mine  iniquity 

I  have  not  covered  : 
I  will  confess  unto  the  Lord 

my  tresspasses,  said  I ; 
And  of  my  sin  thou  freely  didst 

forgive  th'  iniquity. 

6  For  this  shall  ewry  godly  one 

his  prayer  make  to  thee  ; 
In  such  a  time  he  shall  thee  seek, 

as  found  thou,  niayest  be. 
Surely,  when  floods  of  waters  great 

do  swell  up  to  the  brim, 
They  shall  not  overwhelm  his  soul, 

nor  once  come  near  to  him. 

7  Thou  art  my  hiding  place,  thou  shalt 

from  trouble  keep  me  free  : 
Thou  with  songs  of  deliverance 

about  shalt  compass  me. 
$  I  will  instruct  thee,  and  thee  teach 

the  way  that  thou  shalt  go  ; 
And,  with  min^  eye  upon  thee  set, 

I  will  direction  show. 

9  Then  be  not  like  the  horse,  or  mule, 
which  do  not  understand  ; 
Whose  mouth,  lest  they  come  near  to  thee, 
a  bridle  must  command. 


PSALM  XXXIIi,  0 

10  Unto  the  raari  that  wicked  is, 
his  sorrows  shall  abound ; 
But  him  that  trusteth  in  the  Lord, 
mercy  shall  compass  round. 

(1  Ye  righteous,  in  the  Lord  be  glacf; 
in  him  do  ye  rejoice  : 
All  ye  that  upright  are  in  heart, 
for  joy  lift  up  your  voice* 

PSALM  XXXIII. 

Contains  a  sweet  but  solemn  summons  to  praise  the 
Lord,  (1)  for  his  justice,  goodness,  and  truth  manifested 
in  his  word  atid  works ;  ver.  1—5.  (2)  For  his  power, 
manifested  in  the  works  of  creation,  and  in  his  sovereign 
dominion  over  the  world ;  ver.  6 — 1 1,  13—- 17.  (3)  For 
his  special  and  new  covenant  relations,  and  merciful 
kindness  towards  bis  chosen  people  ;  ver.  12,  IS — 22. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  observe,  let  me  admire,  and  oe 
deeply  affected  with  the  blessings  of  creation,  providence, 
and  redemption.  And  chiefly  let  me  remember,  let  me 
behold,  let  me  glow  with  ardent  desire  after  him, 
whose  bones  the  Lord  so  kept  that  not  one  of  them  was 
broUen. 

"^7"E  righteous,  in  the  Lord  rejoice  : 
JL     ^  comely  is  and  right, 
"That  upright  men  with  thankful  voice, 
should  praise  the  Lord  of  might. 

2  Praise  God  with  harp,  and  unto  him 

sing  with  the  psaltery  ; 
Upon  a  ten-string'd  instrument, 
make  ye  sweet  melody. 

3  A  new  song  to  him  sing,  and  play 

with  Loud  noise  skilfully  : 
£  For  right  is  God's  word,  all  his  works 
are  done  in  verity. 


88  PSALM    XXXIIK 

§  To  judgment  and  to  righteousness 
a  love  he  beareth  still : 
The  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord 
the  earth  throughout  doth  fill. 

6  The  Ravens  by  the  word  of  God 

didlheir  beginning  take ; 
And  by  the  breathing  of  his  mouth 
he  all  their  hosts  did  make. 

7  The  waters  of  the  seas  he  brings 

together  as  an  heap  ; 
And  in  store- houses,  as  it  were, 
he  layeth  up  the  deep. 

8  Let  easth,  and  all  that  live  therein, 

with  reverence  fear  the  Lord  ; 
Let  all  the  world's  inhabitants 
dread  him  with  one  accord. 

9  For  he  did  sp^aii  f»e  Ward*  and  done 

it  was  without  delay  ; 
Established,  it  firmly  stood 
whatever  he  did  say. 

10  God  doth  the  council  brinz  to  nought 

which  heathen  folk  do  take ; 
And  what  the  people  do  devise, 
of  none  effect  doth  make. 

1 1  O  but  the  council  of  the  Lord 

doth  stand  for  ever  sure  ; 
And  of  his  heart  the  purposes 
from  age  to  age  endure. 

12  That  nation  blessed  is,  whose  God, 

Jehovah  is,  and  those 
A  blessed  people  are,  whom  for 
his  heritage  he  chose. 
IB  The  Lord  fromheav'n  sees  and  beholds 
all  sons  of  men  full  well : 


PSALM    XXXIV.  89 

14  He  views  all  from  his  dwelling-place 

that  in  the  earth  do  dwell. 

15  He  forms  their  hearts  alike,  and  all 

their  doings  he  observes. 

16  Great  hosts  save  not  a  king,  much  strength 

no  mighty  man  preserves. 

17  An  horse  for  preservation 

is  a  deceitful  thing  : 
And  by  the  greatness  of  his  strength 
can  no  deliverance  bring. 

18  Behold  on  those  that  do  him  fear 

the  Lord  doth  set  his  eye  ; 
Ev'n  those  who  on  his  mercy  do 
with  confidence  rely. 

19  From  death  to  free  their  soul,  in  dearth 

life  unto  them  to  yield. 

20  Our  soul  doth  wait  upon  the  Lord  { 

he  is  our  help  and  shield. 

SI  Sith  in  his  holy  name  we  trust, 

our  hearts  shall  joyful  be. 
22  Lord,  let  thy  mercy  be  on  us, 
as  we  do  hope  in  thee. 

PSALM  XXXIV. 

A  Psalm  of  Da  vmy  when  he  changed  his  behaviour  be- 
fore Jbimelech,  who  drove  him  away,  and  he  de^ 
parted. 

This  Psalm  was  composed  by  David,  when  Achish  or 
Abimelech,  ki:i^  of  Gath,  drove  him  from  his  court  as 
an  idoot  or  madman,  1  Sam.  xxi.  10 — 15.  Here  are, 
(1)  David's  hi^h  praises  to  God,  for  the  favours  himself 
and  others  had  received  ;  ver.  1 — 6.  (2^  His  warm  in- 
vitations and  strong  encouragements  to  others  to  seek 
after  and  fear  the  Lord,  and  to  trust  in  him  for  all  ne- 
H  h 


PSALM   XXXIV 

cessary  supplies,  in  time  or  in  eternity,  ver.  7—- 10. 
Familiar  advices  to  children  and  others  to  eschew  every 
tiling-  sinful,  and  make  conscience  of  known  duty,  both 
towards  G;)d  and  man,  as  a  mean  of  present  and  future 
happiness;  ver.  11  — 14.  (4)  A  representation  of  the 
misery  of  the  wicked,  in  having  God  against  them,  as 
an  avenging  enemy,  and  in  having  ruin  before  them  as 
the  just  reward  of  their  sins;  and  of  the  happiness  of 
the  godly  in  having  God  near  to  them  in  every  case, 
ready  to  hear  their  requests,  to  protect  them  amidst  dan- 
gers, and  to  deliver  them  from  enemies  and  trouble  ;  ver. 
15—22. 

While  I  sing,  let  my  heart  be  warmed  with  my  sub- 
ject. Come  my  soul  and  walk  in  this  light,  in  these 
joys  of  the  Lord,  come,  taste  and  see  that  he  is  good. 
Extol  his  kindness,  and  trust  him  in  all  things,  and  on 
every  occasion. 

C^  OD  will  I  bless  all  times  :  his  praise 
~f  my  mouth  shall  still  express. 

2  My  soul  shall  boast  in  God  :  the  meek 

shall  hear  with  joyfulness. 

3  Extol  the  Lord  with  me,  let  us 

exalt  his  name  together. 

4  I  sought  the  Lord,  he  heard  and  did 

me  from  all  fears  deliver. 

5  They  look'd  to  him,  and  lightened  were  ; 

not  shamed  were  their  faces. 

6  This  poor  man  ery'd.  God  heard,  and  sav'd 

him  from  all  his  distresses. 

7  Tiic  angel  of  the  Lord  encamps. 

and  round  encompasseth 
All  those  about  that  do  him  fear, 
and  them  delivereth. 

S  O  taste  raid  see  that  God  is  good  ! 

who  trusts  in  him  is  bless'd. 
9  Fear  God  his  saints  :  2ione  that  him  fear 

shall  be  with  want  oppressed. 


PSALM    XXXIV. 


94. 


10  The  lions  young  may  hungry  be, 

and  thev  may  lack  their  food : 
But  they  that  truly  seek  the  Lord,. 

shall  not  lack  any  good. 
ii  O  children,  hither  do  ye  come, 

and  unto  me  give  ear  : 
I  shall  ye  teach  to  understand 

how  ye  the  Lord  should  fear. 
iz  What  man  is  he  that  life  desires, 

to  see  good  would  live  long  ? 
13  Thy  lips  refrain  from  speaking  guile3 

and  from  ill  words  thy  tongue. 

1^  Depart  from  ill,  do  good,  seek  peace^ 
pursue  it  earnestly.  * 

15  God's  eyes  are  on  the  just ;  his  ears 

are  open  to  their  cry. 

16  The  face  of  God  is  set  against 

those  that  do  wickedly  ; 
That  he  may  quite  out  from  the  eartb 
cut  off  their  memory. 

17  The  righteous  cry  unto  the  Lord, 

he  unto  them  gives  ear : 
And  they  out  of  their  troubles  all, 
by  him  delivered  are. 

18  The  Lord  is  ever  nigh  to  them 

that  be  of  broken  sjrrit ; 
To  them  he  safety  doth  afford, 
that  are  in  heart  contrite. 

19  The  troubles  that  afflict  the  just 

in  number  many  be  ; 
But  yet  at  length  out  of  them  all 
the  Lord  doth  set  him  free. 
SO  He  carefully  his  bones  doth  keep, 
whatever  can  befal ; 


PSALM   XXXV. 

That  not  so  much  as  one  of  them 
can  broken  be  at  all. 

21  111  shall  the  wicked  slay  :  laid  waste 

shall  be  who  hate  the  just. 

22  The  Lord  redeems  his  servants'  souls  ; 

none  perish  that  him  trust. 

PSALM  XXXV. 

A  Psalm  of  Da  vjd. 

In  this  Psalm,  (l)   David,  as  a  type  of  Christ,  com 
plains  of. the  cruelty  of  his  enemies,  in  striving  with  him 
in  persecuting  him,  in  seeking  his  ruin,  and  in  reproach 
ing,  contemning,    deriding  and   triumphing  over   him 
ver.  1,  3,  4,  7,  11,  15,  16,  20,  21,  25,  26.     (2)  He  plead 
his  own  innocency,  that  he  had  never  given  them  an 
provocation  ;  but,  amidst  their  abuse  of  him   had  eai 
nestly  and  affectionately  studied  to  promote  their  welfare 
ver.  7,  9,   12 — 14.     (3)  He  supplicates  that  God  wouh 
espouse  his  cause,  protect,  deliver  and  comfort  his  soul 
defeat  the  designs,   and   disappoint  the  expectations  ol 
his  enemies  ;  and  that  he  would  countenance  and  encour* 
age  his  friends;   ver.  1,  2,  4,   17,  22 — 27.     (4)  He  pre- 
dicts the  destruction  of  his  enemies,  and  the  abounding  of 
his  own  comfort,    and  in  the   views  hereof,  resolves  to 
thank  and  praise  the  Lord;     e  .  4 — 10,   18,  28. 

While  I  sing,  let  me,  with  grief  and  shame,  call  to 
mind  the  infernal  opposition,  I  and  others  have  made  to 
our  all  compassionate  Redeemer.  Let  me  bew.re  of 
exposing  myself  to  that  vengeance,  which  is  laid  up  in 
stoie  for  his  incorrigible  enemies.  Let  me  never  avenge 
myseif  on  my  injurious  neighbours.  But  amidst  ail  at- 
tacks from  heii  or  earth,  or  from  my  own  corrupt  heart, 
let  me  commit  all  my  concerns  to  him,  who  judgeth 
righteously,  that  he  may  bring  them  to  pass. 

LEAD,  Lord,  with  those  that  plead  ;  and 
with  those  that  fight  with  me,  [fight 

&  Of  shield  and  buckler  take  thou  hold, 
stand  up  mine  help  to  be. 


PSALM   XXXV. 

8  Draw  also  out  the  spear,  and  do, 
against  them  stop  the  way 
That  me  pursue  :  unto  my  soul, 
Fin  thy  salvation,  say. 

4  Let  them  confounded  be,  and  sharcVI, 

that  for  my  soul  have  sought : 
Who  plot  my  hurt,  turned  hack  be  they, 
and  to  confusion  brought. 

5  Let  them  be  like  unto  the  chaff, 

that  flics  before  the  wind  : 

And  let  the  angel  of  the  Lord 

pursue  them  hard  behind. 

6  With  darkness  cover  thou  their  wav, 

and  let  it  slipp'ry  prove, 

And  let  the  angel  of  the  Lord 

pursue  them  from  above. 

7  For  without  cause  have  they  for  me 

their  net  hid  in  a  pit, 
They  also  have  without  a  cause^ 
for  my  soul  digged  it. 

8  Let  ruin  seize  him  unawares, 

his  net  he  hid  withal 
Himself  let  catch  ;  and  in  the  same 
destruction  let  him  fall. 

9  My  soul  in  God  shall  joy ;  and  glad 

in  his  salvation  be. 

10  And  all  my  bones  shall  say,   O  Lord^ 

who  is  like  unto  thee. 

Which  dost  the  poor  set  free  from  kmi 

that  is  for  him  too  strong:, 
The  poor  and  needy  from  the  man 

that  spoils  and  does  him  wrong. 
ii  False  witnesses  rose  ;  to  my  charge 

things  I  not  knew  they  laid, 


94  PSALM    XXX\. 

12  They,  to  the  spoiling  of  my  soul, 

me  ill  for  good  repaid. 

13  But  as  for  me,  when  they  were  siekj 

in  sackcloth  sad"!  mourn'd  : 
My  humble  soul  did  fast,  my  pray'f 

into  my  bosom  turned. 
14-  Myself  I  did  behave,  as  he 

had  been  my  friend  or  brothel-  i 
I  heavily  bow'd  down,  as  on© 

ih&i  iuoaraeth  for  Ms  mother. 

15  But  iti  my  trouble  they  rejoic'd, 

gathering  themselves  together  j 

Yea,  abjeets  vile  together  did 
themselves  against  me  gather : 

I  knew  it  not,  they  did  me  tear, 
and  quiet  would  not  be, 

16  With  mocking  hypocrites,  at  fe&Hix 

they  pimh'il  their  teeth  at  me* 

17  How  long,    Lord,  look'$t  thou  on?  from 

destructions  they  intend,  [those 

Rescue  my  soul,  from  lions  young 
my  darling  do  defend. 

18  I  will  give  thanks  to  thee,  O  Lord, 

within  th*  assembly  great : 
And  where  much  people  gathered  are, 
thy  praises  forth  will  set. 

19  Let  not  my  wrongful  enemies 

proudly  rejoice  o?er  me  : 
Nor  who  me  hate  without  a  cause, 
let  them  wink  with  the  eye* 

20  For  peace  they  do  not  speak  at  all, 

but  crafty  plots  prepare 
Against  all  tiiose  within  the  land 
that  meek  and  quiet  are. 


PSALM    XXXVI,  95 

21  With  mouths  set  wide,  they 'gainst  me  said, 

.  ha,  ha  !  our  eye  doth  see. 
32  Lord,  thou  hast  seen,  hold  not  thy  peace : 
Lord  he  not  far  from  me. 

23  Stir  up  thyself ;  wake,  that  thou  may'st 

judgement  to  me  afford, 
Ev?n  to  my  cause,  O  thou  that  art, 
my  only  God  and  Lord. 

24  O  Lord  my  God,  do  thou  me  judga 

after  thy  righteousness  : 
And  let  them  not  their  joy  'gainst  me 

triumphantly  express. 
%o  Nor  let  them  say  within  their  hearts, 

Ah,  we  would  have  it  thus  : 
Nor  suffer  them  to  say,  that  he 

is  swallow'd  up  by  us. 

.26  Shain'd  and  confounded  be  they  all, 
that  at  my  hurt  are  glad  ; 
Let  those  against  me  that  do  boast, 
with  shame  and  scorn  be  clad. 
■27  Let  them  that  love  my  righteous  cause, 
be  glad,  shout,  and  not  cease 
To  say,  tjie  Lord  be  magnify ?d, 
who  loves  his  servant's  peace, 

28  Thy  righteousness  shall  also  be 
declared  by  my  tongue  ; 
The  praises  that  belong  to  thee, 
speak  shall  it  all  day  long. 

PSALM  XXXVL 

To  the  chief  Musician.  A  Psalm  ofDjvin,  the  serva?:r 
of  the  Lord. 
Observe    here   (1)  how  great   is   the  wickedness   of 
men  1  They  naturally  contemn  God  j  flatter  themselves 


96  PSALM   XXXVI. 

in  sin  :  and  abandorijsmselves  to  falsehood  and  mischief; 
ver.  1,  4.  (2)  HoWgreat  is  the  excellency  of  God,  in 
truth,  in  righteousness,  and  in  mercy  !  Anil  what  a  foun- 
tain of  preservation,  support,  comfort,  light,  and  life, 
he  is  to  his  people  !  ver.  5 — 9.  (3)  How,,  from  the  ex- 
cellency and  goodness  of  God,  the  Psalmist  draws  en- 
couragement, to  pray  for  himself  and  other  saints  ;  and 
to  triumph  in  the  view  of  his  enemies'  ruin;  ver.  10 — 
12. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  review  my  natural  abominations 
and  wretchedness,  and  try,  whether  the  Lord  hath  made 
me  a  new  creatuie,  created  in  Christ  Jesus  unto  good 
works ;  and  whether  he  hath  made  me  taste  of,  admire, 
and  trust  in,  the  exceeding  riches  of  his  grace. 

THE  wicked  man's  transgression 
within  my  heart  thus  says, 
Undoubtedly  the  fear  of  God 
is  not  before  his  eyes. 
&  Because  himself  he  flattereth 
in  his  own  blinded  eye, 
Until  the  hatefulness  be  found 
of  his  iniquity. 

3  Words  from  his  mouth  proceeding  are, 
fraud  and  iniquity : 
He  to  be  wise,  and  to  do  good, 
hath  left  off  utterly. 
&  He  mischief,  lying  on  his  bed, 
most  cunningly  doth  plot : 
He  sets  himself  in  ways  not  good, 
ill  he  abhorreth  adt. 

£  Thy  mercy,  Lord,  is  in  the  heavens  c 
thy  truth  doth  reach  the  clouds. 

6  Thy  justice  is  like  mountains  great  5 

thy  judgments  deep  as  floods  ; 
Lord,  thou  preservest  man  and  beasjU 

7  How  precious  is  ihy  grace  ! 


PSALM  XXXVII.  97 

•> 

Therefore  in  shadow  of  thy  wings 
men's  sons  their  trust  shall  place. 

8  They  with  the  fatness  of  thy  house 

shall  be  well  satisfyM  : 
From  rivers  of  thy  pleasures  thou 
wilt  drink  to  them  provide. 

9  Because  of  life  the  fountain  pure 

remains  alone  with  thee  ; 
And  in  that  purest  light  of  thine, 
we  clearly  light  shall  see. 

10  Thy  loving-kindness  unto  them 

continue  that  thee  know  ; 
And  still  on  men  upright  in  heart 
thy  righteousness  bestow. 

11  Lei  not  the  foot  of  cruel  pride 

come,  and  against  me  stand  : 
And  let  me  not  removed  be, 
Lord,  by  the  wicked's  hand. 

12  There  falPn  are  they,  and  ruined, 

that  work  iniquities  : 
Cast  down  they  are,  and  never  shall 
be  able  to  arise. 

PSALM  XXXVII. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 

This  Psalm  is  wholly  of  the  instructive  kind.  As  the 
Mosaic  system,  and  the  covenant  between  God  and  Isra- 
el, as  his  peculiar  people,  promised  remarkable  tempo- 
ral felicity,  to  such  as  were  obedient  to  the  law,  and  de- 
nounced temporal  miseries  against  those  that  wore  impi- 
ous and  profane  ;  the  Psalmist  here  cautions  against 
stumbling  at  particular  providences,  which  might  appear 
contrary  to  the  tenor  of  that  covenant.  Here  are  (1) 
Plain  and  express  warnings  against  fretfulness  a:  the 

1 


98 


PSALM  XXXVII. 


prosperity  of  the  "wicked,  in  their  wickedness  ;  ver.  l,f, 
8.  with  the  arguments  and  reasons  enforcing  the  same;, 
viz.  that  the  character  of  the  wicked  is  ignominious,  wi  ile 
tliat  of  the  righteous  is  honourable ;  ver.  12,  14,  21,  26, 
30,31,  32.  That  the  wicked,  in  the  very  freight  oi  their 
prosperity,  are  near  to  destruction,  while  the  righteous, 
even  in  their  adversity,  have  special  protection  from 
God,  and  shall  never  be  ruined  ;  ver.  2,  9,  10,  15,  15,  17, 
20,  28,  33,  40.  And  that  God  hath  special  blessings  in 
store  for,  and  even  in  this  life  manifests  distinguished 
kind!. ess  to  the  righteous  and  their  seed  ;  ver.  11,  16, 
18,  19,  22 — 25,  28,  29,  37.  (2)  Here  are  proper  and 
effectual  remedies  to  prevent  sinful  fretting  at  the  pros- 
perity  of  the  wicked,  or  troubles  of  the  p;odiy,  viz.  hop- 
ing in  God  as  our  saviour,  delighting  in  God  as  our  com- 
panion, friend,  and  portion  ;  following  him  as  cur  guide  ; 
departing  from  evil  and  doing  e.ood ;  waiting  on  the  Lord, 
and  keeping  his  way  ;  ver.  3 — 6,  27,  3i. 

Be  thou,  my  soul,  an  accurate  observer,  of  the  mat- 
ter  and  circumstances  of  every  providence.  Carefully 
compare  them,  one  with  another :  and  all  with  the  per- 
fections, conveners,  and  promises  of  God,  in  older  that 
thou  mayest  never  be  offended  thereat? 


FOR  evil-doers  fret  tlicu  not 
thyself  unquietly; 
Nor  do  lbou  envy  bear  to  these 
that  work  iniquity. 
%  For,  even  like  unto  the  grass, 
soon  be  cut  down  shall  they  ; 
And,  like  the  green  and  tender  herb, 
they  wither  shall  away. 

8  Set  thou  thy  trust  upon  the  Lord, 

and  be  thou  doing  good  ; 
And  so  thou  in  the  land  shalt  dwell, 

and  verily  have  food. 
4  Delight  thyself  in  God,  he'll  give 

thine  heart's  desire  to  thee. 


PSALM  XXXVII. 

5  Thy  way  to  God  commit,  liim  trust, 

it  bring  to  pass  shall  he. 

6  And,  like  Ainto  the  light,   lie  shall 

thy  rigbt'ousness  display  : 
And  he  thy  judgment  snail  bring  fortbj 
like  noon-tide  of  the  day. 

7  Rest  in  the  Lord,  and  patiently 

wait,  for  him  :  do  not  fret 
For  him  who  prospering  in  his  way, 
success  in  sin  doth  get. 

S  Bo  thou  from  anger  cease,  and  wrath 
see  thou  forsake  also  : 
Fret  not  thyself  in  any  wise, 
that  evil  thou  should'st  do. 
9  For  those  that  evil-doers  are 
shall  be  cut  off  and  fall  : 
But  those  that  wait  upon  the  Lord 
the  earth  inherit  shall. 

40  For  jet  a  little  while,  and  then 
the  wicked  shall  not  be  ; 
His  place  thou  shalt  consider  well, 
but  it  thou  shalt  not  see. 
ii  But,  by  inheritance  the  earth 
the  meek  ones  shall  possess  r 
They  also  shall  delight  themselves 
in  an  abundant  peace. 

12  The  wicked  plots  against  ihe  just, 

and  at  him  whets  his  teeth. 

13  The  Lord  shall  laugh  at  him  because 

his  day  he  coming  seeth. 

14  The  wicked  have  drawn  out  the  sword. 

and  bent  their  bow,  to  slay 
The  poor  and  needy,  and  to  kill 
men  of  an  upright  way, 


100 


PSALM    XXXVII. 


15  But  their  own  sword,   which  they  have 

shall  enter  their  own  heart :        [drawn, 

Their  bows  which  they  have  bent  shall 

and  into  pieces  part,  [break, 

16  A  little  that  a  just  man  hath 

is  more  and  better  far, 
Than  is  the  wealth  of  many  such 
as  lewd  and  wicked  are. 

17  For  sinners'  arms  shall  broken  be  ; 

but  God  the  just  sustains, 

18  God  knows  the  just  man's  days,  and  still 

their  heritage  remains. 

19  They  shall  not  be  ashaui'd,  when  they 

the  evil  time  do  see ; 
And  when  the  days  of  famine  are  ; 
they  satisfy 'd  shall  be. 

30  But  wicked  men,  and  foes  of  God, 
as  fat  of  lambs  decay, 
They  shall  consume ;  yea,  into  smoke 
they  shall  consume  away. 
SI  The  wicked  borrows,  but  the  same 
again  he  doth  not  pay  ; 
Whereas  the  right'ous  mercy  shows, 
and  gives  his  own  away. 

%%  For  such  as  blessed  be  of  him 
the  earth  inherit  shall ; 
And  they  that  cursed  are  of  him 
shall  be  destroyed  all. 

33  A  good  man's  footsteps  by  the  Lord 

are  ordered  aright  : 
And  in  the  way  wherein  he  walks, 
he  greatly  doth  delight. 

34  Although  he  fall,  yet  shall  he  not 

be  cast  down  utterly  : 


PSALM    XXXVII.  101 

Because  the  Lord  with  bis  own  hand 
upholds  him  mightily. 

25  I  have  been  young,  and    ow  am  old  ; 

yet  have  I  never  seen 
The  just  man  left,  nor  that  his  seed 
for  bread  have  beggars  been. 

26  He's  ever  merciful,  and  lends  : 

his  seed  is  blest  therefore. 

27  Depart  from  evil,  and  do  good, 

and  dwell  for  evermore. 

28  For  God  loves  judgment,  and  his  saints 

leaves  not  in  any  case  ; 
They  are  kept  ever  :  but  cut  off 
shall  be  the  sinner's  race. 

2d  The  just  inherit  shall  the  land, 
and  ever  in  it  dwell. 

30  The  just  man's  mouth  doth  wisdom  speak : 

his  tongue  doth  judgment  tell. 

31  Lrs  heart  the  law  is  of  his  God, 

his  steps  slide  not  away. 

32  The  wicked  man  doth  watch  the  the  just 

and  seeketh  him  to  slay : 

33  Yet  him  the  Lord  will  not  forsake, 

nor  leave  him  in  his  hands  : 
The  right'ous  will  he  not  condemn, 
when  he  in  judgment  stands. 
S£     Wait  on  the  Lord,  and  keep  his  wavy 
and  thee  exalt  shall  he 
Th'  earth  to  inherit,  when  cut  off 
the  wicked  thou  shalt  see. 

36  I  saw  the  wicked  great  in  pow'r, 

spread  like  a  green  bay-tree. 
36  He  past,  yea,  was  not :  him  I  sought, 

but  found  he  could  not  be. 
1  i 


102 


PSALM  xxxviri. 


37  Mark  thou  the  perfect,  and  behold 
,     the  man  of  uprightness  : 
Because  that  surely  of  tins  man 

the  latter  end  is  peace. 

38  But  those  men  that  transgressors  are* 

shall  he  destroyed  together. 
,     The  latter  end  of  wicked  men 
shall  he  cut  off  forever. 

39  But  the  salvation  of  the  jnst 

is  from  the  Lord  above, 
He,  in  the  time  of  their  distress, 
their  stay  and  strength  doth  prove. 

40  The  Lord  shall  help  and  them  deliver  t> 

lie  shall  them  free  and  save 
Fro»n  wicked  men;  because  in  him 
their  confidence  they  have. 

PSALM  XXXVIII. 


A  Psalm  af  David,  in  bringing  to  remembrance. 

This  psalm  appears  to  have  been  penned  by  David, 
under  some  remarkable  distress,  attended  with  a  deep 
sense  of  sin  as  the  procuring  cause  of  it.  Here  are  (1) 
David's  sorrowful  complaints  of  God's  sore  displeasure, 
and  of  the  weight  of  his  own  sins  ;  ver.  1 — 5.  of  the  sick-- 
ness  of  his  body,  and  distress  of  his  mind;  ver.  6 — 10. 
of  the  unkindness  of  his  friends  ;  ver.  1 1.  and  of  the  un- 
provoked injuries  he  received  from  his  enemies  who 
were  spiteful,  cruel,  subtile,  unjust,  ungnvful,  impi- 
ous, devilish,  numerous  and  powerful,  ver.  12,  20.  (2) 
His  remarkable  patience  and  resignation  under  lis  trou- 
bles ;  ver.  13 — 15.  (3)  His  fervent  supplications  to  God 
for  the  mitigation  ot  his  troubles ;  ver.  Land  for  com- 
fort and  support  under,  and  speedy  deliverance  from 
them';  ver.  16,21,  22.  attended  with  candid  and  ingenu- 
ous acknowledgment  of  the  sinful  causes  thereof;  \er. 
3,  4,  5,  18. 

In  all  my  troubles,  let  me  search  out,  and  by  faith  con- 


PSALM   XXXVIII.  10S 

fessand  mourn  over  the  sinful  causes  of  them.  Let  me 
t  ike  every  distress  out  of  God's  hand  ;  and  call  on  him 
iu  the  time  thereof,  that  he  may  deliver  ms. 

IN"  thy  great  indignation, 
O  Lord  rebuke  1112  not  : 
Nor  011  me  lay  thy  chaining  hand, 
in  thy  displeasure  hot. 
2  For  in  me  fast  thine  arrows  stick, 
thine  hand  doth  press  me  sore. 
%  And  in  my  flesh  there  is  no  health, 
nor  soundness  any  more. 

This  grief  I  have,  because  thy  wrath 

is  forth  against  me  gone  ; 
And  in  my  bones  there  is  no  rest, 

for  sin  that  I  have  done. 

4  Because  gone  up  above  mine  head 

my  great  transgressions  be  : 
And  as  a  weighty  burden  they 
too  heavy  are  for  me. 

5  My  wounds  do  stink,  and  are  corrupt : 

my  folly  makes  it  so. 

6  I  troubled  am,  and  much  bow'd  down  \ 

all  day  I  mourning  go. 

7  For  a  disease  that  loathsome  is, 

so  fills  my  loins  with  pain. 
That,  in  my  weak  and  weary  flesh 
no  soundness  doth  remain. 

8  So  feeble  and  infirm  am  I, 

and  broken  am  so  sore  : 
That,  through  disquiet  of  my  heart, 
I  have  been  made  to  roar, 

9  O  Lord,  all  that  I  do  desire 

is  still  before  thine  eye  ; 


104 


PSALM  xxxvni. 


And  of  my  heart  the  secret  groans 
not  hidden  are  from  thee. 

10  My  heart  doth  pant  incessantly, 

my  strength  doth  quite  decay  : 
As  for  mine  eyes,  their  wonted  light 
is  from  me  gone  away. 

11  My  lovers  and  my  friends  do  stand 

at  distance  from  my  sore : 
And  those  do  stand  aloof  that  were 
kinsmen  and  kind  before. 

12  Yea.  they  that  seek  my  life  lay  snares  * 

who  seek  to  do  me  wrong 
Speak  things  mischievous,  and  deceits 
imagine  all  day  long. 

13  But,  as  one  deaf*  that  heareth  not, 

I  suffered  all  to  pass  : 
I  as  a  dumb  man  did  become, 
whose  mouth  not  opeir  d  was. 

14  As  one  that  hears  not,  in  whose  mouth, 

are  no  reproofs  at  all. 

15  For,  Lord,  I  hope  in  thee  ;  my  God, 

thou'lt  hear  me  when  I  call. 

16  For  I  said,  hear  mc,  lest  they  should 

rejoice  o'er  me  with  pride  : 
And  o'er  me  magnify  themselves, 
when  as  my  foot  doth  slide, 

17  For  I  am  near  to  halt,  my  grief 

is  still  before  mine  eye  : 

18  For  I'll  declare  my  sin  and  grieve 

for  mine  iniquity. 

19  But  yet  mine  en'mies  lively  are, 

and  strong  are  they  beside  ; 
And  they  that  hate  me  wrongfully 
are  greatly  multiply'd. 


PSALM   XXXIX.  lOfi 

20  And  they  for  good  that  render  ill, 

as  eirmies  me  withstood : 
Tea,  ev-'n  for  this,  because  that  I 

do  follow  what  is  good. 
Si  Forsake  me  not,  O  Lord  :  my  God, 

far  from  me  never  be. 
Z2  0  Lord,  thou  my  salvation  art, 

haste  to  give  help  to  me. 

PSALM  XXXIX. 

To  the  chief  Musician,   even   to  Jeduthun, 
A  Psalm  of  David. 

Kere  we  have,  (1)  violent  struggling  in  the  psalmist's 
own  breast  between  grace  and  corruption ;  between 
passion  and  patience  ;  ver.  1 — 3,  11.  (2)  Serious  views 
of  human  fruiity,  shortness  of  life,  and  self-emptiness ; 
ver.  4 — 6.  (3)  Strong  cries  to  God,  for  pardon  of  sin, 
preservation  from  reproach  and  for  removal  of  trouble ; 
for  hearing  and  answering  of  prayer,  and  for  lengthen- 
ing out  of  life,  till  further  preparation  for  death  should 
be  attained,  ver.  7 — 13. 

While  I  sing,  let  my  soul  blush  deep,  for  the  unten- 
derness  and  want  of  circumspection,  in  my  life  ;  and  for 
my  want  of  resignation  to  God's  disposing  will.  hJt 
me  be  suitably  affected  with  the  shortness,  vanity  and 
uncertainly  of  my  temporal  life.  Let  me  always  be  ex- 
ercised in  earnest  prayer  lo,  and  believing  de] 
d,  as  my  companion  and  friend. 

I   Said,  I  will  look  to  my  ways, 
lest  with  my  tongue  I  sin  : 
In  sight  of  wicked  men  my  mouth 
with  bridle  I'll  keep  in. 
2  With  silence  I  as  dumb  became, 
I  did  myself  restrain 
From  speaking  good  ;  but  then  the  more 
increased  was  my  pain. 


506  PSALM    XXXI3L 

3  My  heart  within  me  waxed  hot, 

and,  while  I  musing  was, 
The  fire  did  hum  :  and  from  my  tongut 
these  words  I  did  let  pass : 

4  Mine  end,  and  measure  of  my  days, 

O  Lord,  unto  mc  show 
What  is  the  same ;  that  I  thereby 
my  frailty  well  may  know. 
$  Lo,  thou  my  days  an  hand-breadth  inad'st; 
mine  age  is  in  thine  eye 
As  nothing  :  sure  each  man  at  best 
is  wholly  vanity. 

6  Sure  each  man  walks  in  a  vain  show, 

they  vex  themselves  in  vain : 
He  heaps  up  wealth,  and  doth  not  know 
to  whom  it  shall  pertain. 

7  And  now,  O  Lord,  what  wait  I  for  ? 

my  hope  is  iix?d  on  thee. 

8  Free  me  from  all  my  tresspasses, 

the  fool's  scorn  make  not  me. 

9  Dumb  was  X,  opening  not  my  mouth, 

because  this  work  was  thine. 

10  Thy  stroke  take  from  me  :  by  the  blow 

of  thine  hand  I  do  pine. 

11  When  with  rebukes  thou  dost  correct 

man  for  iniquity, 
Thou  wastes  his  beauty  like  a  moth  : 
sure  each  man's  vanity. 

12  Attend  my  cry,  Lord,  at  my  tears 

and  pray'rs  not  silent  be  : 
I  sojourn  as  my  father's  all, 
and  stranger  am  with  thee. 

13  0  spare  thou  me,  that  I  my  strength 

recover  may  again, 


PSALM    XL. 


ICtf 


Before  from  lienee  I  do  depart, 
and  here  no  more  remain. 

PSALM  XL. 


To  the  chhf  Musician.  A  Psalm  of  Da  vib. 

Here  we  have  (1)  David's  hearty  acknowledgments 
cf  God's  kindness,  in  bringing  him  out  of  long  and  sore 
afTlictions  ;  ver.  1 — 5.  (2)  His  preferring  of  holy  obe- 
dience to  God,  and  faithful  publication  of  his  truths  and 
praises,  to  all  ceremonial  oblations;  ver.  6 — 11.  (3) 
His  improvement  of  his  former  deliverance,  as  an  en- 
couragement to  supplicate  further  mercy  and  protection  ; 
an  encouragement  to  confess  sin  and  implore  the  pardon 
thereof;  an  encouragement  to  rejoice  in,  and  praise  God 
for  his  excellencies  and  favours  ;  to  trust  him  under  af- 
fliction, and  to  comfort  himself  in  him  amidst  poverty, 
sinfulness,  and  trouble  ;  ver.  12 — 17. 

But  let  me  here  chiefly  think  (1)  of  Jesus  the  great 
shepherd  of  the  sheep,  who  was  brought  again  from  his 
agonies  and  death,  by  the  blood  of  the  everlasting  cove- 
nant, and  set  down  at  the  right  hand  of  the  majesty  on 
high,  that  he  might  receive  gifts  for  men,  and  that  our 
faith  and  hope  might  be  in  God  ;  ver.  i — 5.  (2)  L;  t 
me  think  of  the  new  covenant  made  between  him  and 
his  eternal  Father,  for  the  redemption  of  sinful  men, 
and  of  his  complete  fulfilment  of  the  divine  law  as  the 
co. idition  thereof;  ver.  6 — 10.  (3)  Let  me  think  how 
our  iniquities  were  charged  to  his  account  and  punished 
on  him,  as  our  surety  ;  ver.  1 1 — 13.  (4)  Let  me  think 
how  the  unrelenting  vengeance  of  almighty  God,  over- 
took his  Jewish  betrayers  and  murderers  ;  and  hath  or 
will  overtake  his  heathenish,  anti-christian  or  other  im- 
placable enemies:  and  of  the  icy  and  consolation,  which 


flow  from  and 
14 — 17. 


through  him  to  his  chosen  f;iei 


ids  ;  ver. 


WAITED  for  the  Lord  my  God, 
and  patiently  did  hear  ; 
A.t  length  to  me  he  did  incline 
my  voice  and  eiy  to  hear. 


168  PSALM   XL. 

8  ITe  look  me  from  a  fearful  pi^ 
and  from  the  miry  clay. 
And  on  a  rock  he  set  my  feet, 
establishing  my  way. 
§  He  put  a  new  song  in  my  mouth, 
our  God  to  magnify  : 
Many  shall  see  it,  and  shall  fear, 
and  on  the  Lord  rely. 

4  O  blessed  is  the  man  whose  trust 

upon  the  Lord  relies  : 
Respecting  not  the  proud,  nor  such 
as  turn  aside  to  lies. 

5  O  Lord  my  God,  full  many  are 

the  wonders  thou  hast  done; 
Thv  gracious  thoughts  to  us- ward  far 

above  all  thoughts  are  gone  : 
In  order  none  can  reckon  them 

to  thee :  if  them  declare, 
And  speak  of  them  I  would,  they  more 

than  can  be  numbered  are. 

6  No  sacrifice,  nor  offering 

didst  thou  at  all  desire  ; 
Mine  ears  thou  bor?d  :  sin-offering  thou 
and  burnt  didst  not  require. 

7  Then  to  the  Lord  these  were  my  words, 

1  come,  behold  and  see  : 
Within  the  volume  of  thv  book 
It  written  is  of  me  : 

8  To  do  thv  will  I  take  delight, 

0  thou  my  God  that  art : 
Yea,  that  most  holy  law  of  thine 

1  have  within  my  heart. 

■9   Within  the  congregation  great 
I  righteousness  did  preach  : 


PSALM    XL.  iOi> 

Lo,  thou  dost  know,  O  Lord,  that  I 
refrained  not  my  speech. 

10  I  never  did  within  my  heart 

conceal  thy  righteousness : 
I  thy  salvation  have  declared, 

and  shown  thy  faithfulness  ; 
Thy  kindness,  which  most  loving  is, 

concealed  have  not  I, 
Nor  from  the  congregation  great 

have  hid  thy  verity. 

11  Thy  tender  mercies,  Lord,  from  me 

0  do  thou  not  restrain  : 

Thy  loving-kindness,  and  thy  truth, 
let  them  me  still  maintain. 

12  For  ills  past  reck'ning  compass  me, 

and  mine  inquities 
Such  hold  upon  me  taken  have^ 

1  cannot  lift  mine  eyes  : 

They  more  than  hairs  are  on  my  head? 
thence  is  my  heart  dismay' d. 

13  Be  pleased,  Lord,  to  rescue  me; 

Lord,  hasten  to  mine  aid. 

14  Sham'd  and  confounded  he  they  all 

that  seek  my  soul  to  kill : 
Yea,  let  them  hack  ward  driven  he, 
and  sham'd,  that  wish  me  ill. 

15  For  a  reward  of  this  their  shame, 

confounded  let  them  be, 
That  in  this  manner  scoffing  say, 
aha,  aha,  to  me. 

16  In  thee  let  all  he  glad,  and  joy, 

who  seeking  thee  abide  ; 
Who  thy  salvation  love,  say  stilly 
the  Lord  be  magnify' d. 
K 


110  PSALM    XLI. 

17  Pus  poor  and  needy,  yet  the  Lord 
of  me  a  care  doth  take  : 
Thou  art  my  help  and  Saviour, 
my  God,  no  tarrying  make. 

PSALM  XLI. 

To  the  Chief  Musician.  A  Psalm  of  Da  vib. 

This  Psalm  contains,  (1)  A  representation  of  the  bless- 
edness of  him  who  wisely  considereth  the  case  of  the 
poor,  and  affords  them  relief;  ver.  1 — 3.  (2)  David's 
candid  acknowledgments  of  the  justness  of  his  affliction, 
and  earnest  supplications  for  a  merciful  deliverance  ; 
ver.  4.  (3)  His  sad  complaints  of  the  malicious,  censori- 
ous, and  spiteful  reflections,  and  of  the  insolent  carriage 
of  his  enemies  ;  ver.  5 — 9.  (4)  His  hearty  committing  of 
his  case  and  way  to  God,  in  the  assured  and  triumphant 
faith  of  his  favour;  ver.  10 — 13. 

While  I  sing,  let  mine  eyes  be  toward  the  Lord  Jesus, 
who  thought  on  me,  in  my  low  estate.  Let  me  consider 
him,  who,  though  he  was  rich,  yet  for  our  sakes  became 
poor,  that  we  through  his  poverty  might  be  made  rich-*- 
Jesus,  who  had  not  where  to  lay  his  head — Jesus,  whom 
his  own  disciple  betrayed  ;  and  who  through  manifold  en- 
emies and  much  tribulation,  entered  into  the  kingdom  of 
God. 

BLESSED  is  he  that  wisely  doth 
the  poor  man's  case  consider  ; 
For  when  the  time  of  trouble  is, 
the  Lord  will  him  deliver. 
%  God  will  him  keep,  yea,  save  alive  ; 
on  earth  he  bless'd  shall  live  : 
And  to  his  enemies'  desire 
thou  wilt  him  not  up  give. 

3  God  will  give  strength,  when  he  on  bed 
of  languishing  doth  mourn  : 
And,  in  his  sickness  sore,  O  Lord, 
Thou  all  his  bed  wilt  turn. 


PSALM    XLI.  lii 

4  I  said,  0  Lord,  do  thou  extend 

thy  mercy  unto  me : 
O  do  thou  heal  my  soul ;  for  why  ? 
I  have  offended  thee. 

5  Those  that  to  me  are  enemies 

of  me  do  evil  say, 
When  shall  he  die,  that  so  his  name 
may  perish  quite  away  ? 

6  To  see  me  if  he  comes,  he  speaks 

vain  words  :  but  then  his  heart 
Heaps  mischief  to  it,  which  he  tells, 
when  forth  he  doth  depart. 

7  My  haters,  jointly  whispering, 

'gainst. me  my  hurt  devise. 

8  Mischief,  say  they,  cleaves  fast  to  him^ 

he  lieth,  and  shall  not  rise. 

9  Yea,  ev'n  mine  own  familiar  friend, 

on  whom  I  did  rely, 
Who  ate  my  bread,  ev'n  he  his  heel 
against  me  lifted  high. 

10  But,  Lord,  be  merciful  to  me, 

and  up  again  me  raise. 
That  1  may  justly  them  requite 
according  to  their  ways. 

1 1  By  this  I  know  that  certainly 

I  favoured  am  by  thee  : 
Because  my  hateful  enemy 
triumphs  not  over  me. 

12  But  as  for  me,  thou  me  uphold' st 

in  mine  integrity  : 
And  me  before  thy  countenance 
thou  sett'st  continually. 

13  The  Lord,  the  God  of  Israel 

be  blest  for  ever  then, 


H2  PSALM    XLII. 

From  age  to  age  eternally. 
Amen,  yea,  and  amen. 

PSALM  XLn. 

To  the  chief  musician,  JMaschil,  for  the  sons  of  Korah. 

Perhaps  this  Psalm  was  composed  by  David,  when 
the  unnatural  rebellion  of  Absalom  had  forced  him  from 
the  sanctuary  of  God,  and  to  take  up  his  lodgings  east- 
ward of  Jordan  ;  Lam.  xv. — 19,  We  have  in  it,  (1) 
ardent  longings  after  nearness  to,  and  familiar  intimacy 
with  God,  in  his  public  ordinances  and  sanctuary  ;  ver. 
1,  2.  (2)  Mournful  lamentations  and  bitter  groanings 
on  account  of  God's  withdrawing  his  comfortable  smiles  ; 
of  the  want  of  the  once  enjoyed  ordinances  of  God,  and 
fellowship  with  his  saints ;  of  the  troublesome  impres- 
sions of  God's  Wrath  ;  and  of  his  enemies  insolent  up- 
braiding of  him,  and  on  account  of  the  departure  and 
distance  of  his  God  ;  ver.  3,  4,  6,  7,  9,  10.  (3)  Be- 
lieving remembrance  of  God's  former  favours  ;  ver.  6, 
and  self-encouraging  hopes  of  future  ones  ;   ver.  5,  8,  11. 

Have  I  experimentally  understood  all  these  things  ! 
My  soul,  let  me  charge  thee  to  beware  of  dissimulation 
with  God,  and  of  compassing  him  about  with  lies,  under 
pretence  of  praising  him.  Dare  not  to  sing  these  lines 
without  inward,  without  ardent  longings  for  the  Lord  ; 
without  earnest  claiming  of  him  as  thy  own  God,  upon 
the  foundatition  of  his  new  covenant  grant  of  himself 
to  me,  in  the  gospel  ;  without  assured  hopes  of  his  fu- 
ture, his  everlssting  kindnebs  to  me -ward. 

LIKE  as  the  hart  for  water-brook s, 
in  thirst  doth  pant  and  bray, 
So  pants  my  longing  soul,  O  God, 
that  come  to  thee  I  may. 
2  My  soul  for  God,  the  living  God,, 
doth  thirst ;  when  shall  I  near 
Unto  thy  countenance  approach, 
and  in  God's  sight  appear  ? 


PSALM  XL!L  U 

3  My  tears  have  unto  me  been  meat, 

both  in  the  night  and  day, 
While  unto  me  continually, 
.  where  is  thy  God  ?  they  say. 

4  My  soul  is  poured  out  in  me, 

when  this  I  think  upon  ; 
Because  that  with  the  multitude 
I  heretofore  had  gone  : 

With  them  into  God's  house  I  went, 
with  voice  of  joy  and  praise  ; 

Yea,  with  the  multitude  that  kept 
the  solemn  holy  days. 

5  O  why  art  thou  $ast  down,  my  soul  ? 

why  in  me  so  disuiay'd? 
Trust  God,  for  I  shall  praise  him  yet ; 
his  countenance  is  mine  aid. 

6  My  God,  my  soul's  cast  down  in  me ; 

thee  therefore  mind  I  will 
From  Jordan's  land,  the  Flermonites, 

and  ev'n  from  Ylizar-hill. 
¥  At  the^  noise  of  thy  water- spouts 

deep  unto  deep  doth  call : 
Thy  breaking  waves  pass  over  me, 

yea,  and  thy  billows  all. 

8  His  loving-kindness  yet  the  Lord 

command  will  in  the  day : 
His  songs  with  me  by  night,  to*Go& 
by  whom  1  Uve,  I'll  pray. 

9  And  I  will  say  to  God,  my  rock) 


why  me  forgett'st  thou  so 


Why,  for  my  foes  oppression, 
thus  mounting  do  I  go  ? 
10  'Tis  as  a  sword  within  my  bones, 
when  my  foes  me  upbraid •;. 

K  k 


IU  PSALM    XLIII. 

Ev'n  when  by  them,  where  is  thy  God  ? 

'tis  daily  to  me  said. 
11  0  why  art  thou  cast  down  my  soul  ! 

why  thus  with  grief  opprest, 
Art  thou  disquieted  in  me  ? 

In  God  still  hope  and  rest : 

For  yet  I  know  I  shall  him  praise, 

who  graciously  to  me 
The  health  is  of  my  countenance  ; 

yea,  mine  own  God  is  he. 

PSALM  XLIII. 

This  Psalm  was  probably  composed  on  the  same  occa- 
sion as  the  former;  and  coi. tains,  (1)  David's  strong 
cries  to  his  God,  for  help  against,  and  deliverance  from, 
his  ungodly,    unjust,  and  crafty  oppressors  ;  ver.  1,  2. 

(2)  His  earnest  longings  to  be  restored  to  the  enjoy- 
ment of  his  God  in  his   public  ordinances  ;  ver.  3,  4. 

(3)  His  inward  disquiets,  composed  by  believing  claims 
of  his  God,  and  firm  dependance  on  his  promises ; 
ver.  5. 

Wbilc  I  sing,  let  my  soul  be  deeply  affected  with  the, 
mjuries  I  daily  receive  from  Satan  and  my  own  lusts. 
Let  my  heart  and  flesh  cry  out  for  God,  the  living  God, 
as  my  God,  and  mine  exceeding  joy.  And  let  me  still 
all  the  tumults  of  my  heart  with  this,  that  he  is  my 
god  and  my  all  ;  my  god  that  doth  me  save. 

JUDGE  me,  O  God,  and  plead  my  cause 
against  the  ungodly  nation ; 
From  the  unjust  and  crafty  man, 
O  be  thou  my  salvation. 
§  For  thou  the  God  art  of  my  strength  $ 
why  thrusts  thou  me  thee  fro  ? 
For  the  enemies  oppression^ 
why  do  I  mourning  go  ? 


PSALM  XLIV.  115 

3  O  send  thy  light  forth  and  thy  truth  ; 

let  them  be  guides  to  me, 
And  bring  me  to  thine  holy  hill, 
ev'n  where  thy  dwellings  be. 

4  Then  will  I  to  God's  altar  go, 

to  God  my  chiefest  joy  ; 
Yea,  God,  my  God,  thy  name  to  praise 
my  harp  I  will  employ. 

5  Why  art  thou  then  cast  down,  my  soul  ? 

what  should  diseourage  thee  ? 
And  why  with  vexing  thoughts  art  thou 

disquieted  in  me  ? 
Still  trust  in  God,  for  him  to  praise 

good  cause  I  yet  shall  have  ; 
He  of  my  countenance  is  the  healthy 

my  God  that  doth  me  save. 

PSALM  XLIV. 

To  the  chief  musician ,  for  the  sons  ofJCoRAH,  Maschji^. 
This  Psalm  was  perhaps  composed  on  the  same  occa- 
sion as  the  60th,  and  may  have  a  prophetic  view  to  the 
after  distresses  of  the  Jews  in  the  time  of  R  .^hoboam, 
2  Chron.  xii.  of  Jehoram,  2  Chron.  xxi.  of  Ahaz,  2 
Chron.  xxviii.  of  Hezekiah,  2  Kings,  xviii.  xix.  and 
during  the  Chaldean  captivity,  Syro-grecian  oppression, 
Sec.  and  all  these  as  typical  of  the  distresses  of  the  gos- 
pel church  under  heathens  and  anti-christians.  It 
relates  chiefly  to  the  church,  and  contains,  (l) 
thankful  acknowledgments  of  what  the  Lord  had  done 
for  her  in  former  periods,  as  her  God,  her  king,  her  joy, 
her  praise ;  ver.  1—8.  (2)  Sorrowful  compLints  of 
divine  desertion  ;  and  of  the  prevalent  power,  cruelty, 
and  derisive  contempt  of  enemies,  ver.  9 — 16.  (3)  So- 
lemn protestations  of  continued  integrity,  and  of  con- 
stant adherence  to  the  Lord's  way,  amidst  these  mani- 
fold calamities ;  ver.  17 — 22.  (4)  Strong cries  with  sup- 
plications and  tears  to  God,  for  his  merciful  appearance 
for,  and  granting  her  relief  j  ver.  23 — 26. 


116  PSALM    XLIV. 

In  singing  this,  let  me  rejoice  with  them  that  rejoice 
and  weep  with  them  that  weep.  Let  me  rejoice  in  wha" 
the  Lord  hath  wrought  for  his  people,  in  any  former  pe- 
riod ;  and  in  all  their  afflictions  let  me  be  afflicted.  Let 
me  give  the  Lord  no  rest  till  he  make  his  church  a  joy 
in  the  whole  earth. 

OGOD,  we  with  our  ears  have  heard, 
our  fathers  have  us  told, 
What  works  thou  in  their  days  hadst  done, 
ev?n  in  the  days  of  old. 
&  Thy  hand  did  drive  the  heathen  out, 
and  plant  them  in  their  place  ; 
Thou  didst  afflict  the  nations, 
but  them  thou  didst  increase. 

3  For  neither  got  their  sword  the  land, 

nor  did  their  arm  them  save  : 
But  thy  right  hand,  arm,  countenance  ± 
for  thou  them  favor  gave. 

4  Thou  art  my  King :  for  Jacob,  Lord, 

deliverances  command. 

5  Through  thee  we  shall  push  down  our  foes, 

that  do  against  us  stand. 

We,  thro*  thy  name,  shall  tread  down  those 
that  risen  against  us  have. 

6  For  in  my  bow  I  shall  not  trust, 

nor  shall  my  sword  me  save. 

7  But  from  our  foes  thou  hast  us  sav'd, 

our  haters  put  to  shame. 

8  In  God  we  all  the  day  do  boast,. 

and  ever  praise  thy  name. 

$  But  now  we  are  cast  off  by  thee, 
and  us  thou  putt'st  to  shame ; 
And  when  our  armies  do  go  forth,, 
thou  go'st  not  with  the  same. 


PSALM    XLIV.  117 

10  Thou  mak'st  us  from  the  enemy, 

faint-hearted  to  turn  back  : 
And  they  who  hate  us  for  themselves 
our  spoils  away  do  take. 

11  Like  sheep  for  meat  thou  gavest  us  : 

'mong  heathen  cast  we  be. 

12  Thou  didst  for  nought  thy  people  sell, 

their  price  enrich'd  not  thee. 

13  Thou  mak'st  us  a  reproach  to  be 

unto,  our  neighbours  neap  ; 
Derision  and  a  scorn  to  them 
that  round  about  us  are. 

14*  A  bye-word  also  thou  dost  us 
among  the  heathen  make  : 
The  people  in  contempt  and  spite, 
at  us  their  heads  do  shake. 

15  Before  me  my  confusion 

continually  abides  ; 
And  of  my  bashful  countenance 
the  shame  me  ever  hides. 

16  For  voice  of  him  that  doth  reproach, 

and  speaketh  blasphemy  ; 
By  reason  of  th'  avenging  foe, 
and  cruel  enemy. 

17  All  this  is  come  on  us,  yet  we 

have  not  forgotten  thee  ; 
Nor  falsely  in  thy  covenant 
behav'd  ourselves  have  we. 
13  Back  from  thy  way  our  heart  not  turned  ; 
our  steps  no  straying  made, 

19  Tho?  us  thou  brak'st  in  dragon's  place, 

and  cover'dst  with  death's  shade. 

20  If  we  God's  name  forgot,  or  stretch'd 

to  a  strange  God  our  bauds  : 


H8  PSALM    XLV. 

2t  Shall  not  God  search  this  out?  for  he 
heart  secrets  understands. 

22  Yea,  for  thy  sake  we're  kill'd  all  day, 

counted  as  slaughter-sheep. 

23  Rise,  Lord,  cast  us  not  ever  off ; 

awake,  why  dost  thou  sleep  ? 
24}  O  wherefore  hidest  thou  thy  face  ? 
forgett?st  our  case  distressed, 

25  And  our  oppression  ?  for  our  soul 

is  to  the  dust  down  pressed : 

Our  belly  also  on  the  earth, 
fast  cleaving,  hold  doth  take. 

26  Rise  for  our  help,  and  us  redeem, 

ev'n  for  thy  mercies'  sake. 

PSALM  XLV. 

To  the  chief  musician  ujion  Shoshannim,  for  the  sons 
of  Korah,  Maschil.    ji  song  of  loves. 

Xn  this  song  of  loves,  are  celebrated  (1)  the  glories 
of  Jesus  our  Redeemer,  particularly  the  transcendent 
comliness  and  blessedness  of  his  person,  God-man :-— 
His  almighty  power  in  conquering  his  people,  and  des- 
troying his  enemies ;  the  eternity,  firmness  and  equity 
of  his  government,  his  royal  unction  with  the  Holy 
Ghost  above  measure  ;  his  fitness  for  his  work,  and  the 
splendor  of  his  court ;  ver.  1 — 9.  (2)  The  glories  of 
the  redeemed  ;  their  listening  to  Jesus'  proposals  of  mar- 
riage-union with  himself;  their  renunciation  of  all  others 
for  his  sake  ;  their  reverential  submission  to,  and  worship 
of  him;  ver.  10,  II.  Their  glorious  ornaments  of 
righteousness  and  grace ;  and  their  glorious  entrance 
into  the  new  covenant  and  the  eternal  state  ;  ver.  12 — 15. 
Their  glorious  succession  and  work,  for  perpetuating  the 
fame  of  the  redeemer  ;  ver.  16,   17. 

In  singing  this  song  of  the  Lamb,  let  me  with  open 
face  behold  his  glory,  and  be  changed  into  the  same  im- 
age from  glory  to  glory,  as  by  the  spirit  of  the  Lord. 
Let  my  admiration  of  his  excellency  swell  to  the  brim, 


PSALM   XLV.  if 9 

and  my  love  burn  with  a  most  vehement  flame  ;  and  let 
my  hopes  of  being  forever  with  him  be  strong  and  lively. 
Let  my  heart  be  all  wonder  at  his  excellency,  fullness 
and  grace ; — all  subjection  to  his  government  and  laws  ; 
and  my  lips  filled  with  his  praise  and  honour  all  the 
day. 

MY  heart  bring  forth  a  goodly  thing  : 
my  words  that  I  indite 
Concern  the  King  :  my  tongue's  pen 
of  one  that  swift  doth  write. 

2  Thou  fairer  art  than  sons  of  men  : 

into  thy  lips  is  store 
Of  grace  infus'd  :  God  therefore  thee 
hath  bless'd  for  evermore. 

3  O  thou  that  art  the  mighty  One, 

thy  sword  gird  on  thy  thigh  : 
Ev'n  with  th\  glory  excellent 
and  with  thy  majesty. 

4  For  meekness,  truth,  and  righteousness, 

in  state  ride  prosperously  : 
And  thy  right  hand  shall  thee  instruct 
in  things  that  fearful  be. 

5  Thine  arrows  sharply  pierce  the  heart 

of  th?  en'mies  of  the  King ; 
And  under  thy  subjection 
the  people  down  do  bring. 

6  For  ever  and  for  ever  is, 

O  God,  thy  throne  of  might ; 
The  sceptre  of  thy  kingdom  is 
a  sceptre  that  is  right. 

7  Thou  lovest  right  and  hatest  ill : 

for  God,  thy  God,  most  high, 
Above  thy  fellows  hath  with  th?  oil 
°f  joy  anointed  thee. 


120  PSALM   XLV. 

8  Of  aloes,  myrrh,  and  cassia, 
a  smell  thy  garments  had, 
Out  of  the  ivry  palaces, 

whereby  ihey  made  thee  glad, 
t)  Among  thy  women  honourable, 
king's  daughter's  were  at  hand : 
Upon  thy  right  hand  did  the  queen 
in  gold  of  Ophir  stand. 

10  O  daughter,  harken  and  regard, 

and  do  thine  ear  incline  : 
Likewise  forget  thy  father's  house, 
and  people  that  are  thine. 

1 1  Then  of  the  King  desir'd  shall  he 

thy  beauty  vehemently  : 
Because  he  is  thy  Lord,  do  thou 
him  worship  rev'rently. 

12  The  daughter  there  of  Tyre  shall  be 

with  gifts  and  offerings  great : 
Those  of  the  people  that  are  rich, 
thy  favour  shall  intreat. 

13  Behold,  the  daughter  of  the  King, 

all  glorious  is  within  ; 
And  with  embroideries  of  gold 
her  garments  wrought  have  been. 

14  She  shall  be  brought  unto  the  King 

in  robes  with  needle  wrought ; 
Her  fellow-virgins  following, 
shall  unto  thee  be  brought. 

15  They  shall  be  brought  with  gladness  great, 

and  mirth  on  ev'ry  side, 
Into  the  palace  of  the  King, 
and  there  they  shall  abide. 
1(5  Instead  of  those  thy  fathers  dear, 
thy  children  thou  rnay'st  take, 


PSALM    XLV. 

And  in  all  places  of  the  earth, 
them  noble  princes  make. 

17  Thy  name  remember'd  I  will  make, 
through  ages  all  to  be  : 
The  people,  therefore,  evermore 
shall  praises  give  to  thee. 

SECOND  VERSION. 

MY  heart  inditing  is 
good  matter  in  a  song ; 
I  speak  the  things  that  I  have  made, 

which  to  the  King  belong  : 
My  tongue  shall  be  as  quick 

his  honour  to  indite, 
As  is  the  pen  of  any  scribe 
that  useth  fast  to  write. 

2  Thou'rt  fairest  of  all  men, 

grace  in  thy  lips  doth  flow  ; 
And  therefore  blessings  evermore 
on  thee  doth  God  bestow. 

3  Thy  sword  gird  on  thy  thigh, 

thou  that  art  most  of  might" : 
Appear  in  dreadful  majesty, 
and  in  thy  glory  bright. 

4  For  meekness,  truth  and  right, 

ride  prosperously  in  state  : 
And  thy  right  hand  shall  teach  to  thee 
things  terrible  and  great. 

5  Thy  shafts  shall  pierce  their  hearts 

that  foes  are  to  the  King  ; 
Whereby  into  subjection 
the  people  thou  shalt  bring. 
L 


12! 


I 


12. 


PSALM   XLV. 


6  Thy  royal  seat,  O  Lord, 

for  ever  shall  remain  : 
The  sceptre  of  thy  kingdom  doth 
all  righteousness  maintain. 

7  Thou  lov'st  right,  and  hat'st  ill : 

for  God,  thy  God,  most  high, 
Above  thy  fellows  hath  with  th?  oil 
of  joy  anointed  thee. 

8  Of  myrrh  and  spices  sweet 

a  smell  thy  garments  had  : 
Out  of  th?  iv'ry  palaces 

whereby  they  made  thee  glad. 

9  And  in  thy  glorious  train, 

king's  daughters  waiting  stand  : 
And  thy  fair  queen,  in  Ophir  gold, 
doth  stand  at  thy  right  hand. 

10  O  daughter,  take  good  heed, 

incline  and  give  good  ear  : 
Thou  must  forget  thy  kindred  all, 
and  fathers  house  most  dear. 

11  Thy  beauty  to  the  King 

shall  then  delightful  be  : 
And  do  thou  humbly  worship  him, 
because  thy  Lord  is  he. 

IS  The  daughter  then  of  Tyre 

there  with  a  gift  shall  be, 
And  all  the  wealthy  of  the  land 

shall  make  their  suit  to  thee. 
13  The  daughter  of  the  king 

all  glorious  is  within  ; 
And  with  embroideries  of  gold, 

her  garments  wrought  have  been. 
14?  She  cometh  to  the  King 

in  robes  with  needle  wrought : 


PSALM    XLVI.  123 

The  virgins  that  do  follow  her  '  \ 

shall  unto  thee  be  brought. 
i5  They  shall  be  brought  with  joy, 
and  mirth  on  ev'ry  side, 
Into  the  palace  of  the  King, 
and  there  they  shall  abide. 

16  And  in  thy  father's  stead, 

thy  children  thou  may'st  take, 
And  in  all  places  of  the  earth, 
them  noble  princes  make. 

17  I  will  shew  forth  thy  name 

to  generations  all ; 
Therefore  the  people  evermore 
to  thee  give  praises  shall. 

PSALM  XLVI. 

To  the  chief  musician,  for  the  sons  of  Kqraii.     A  song 
upon  Alamolh. 

In  this  Psalm,  probably  composed  for  celebrating 
some  remarkable  victory,  we  have,  (1)  bold  triumphs  of 
faith  in  God  himself,  and  the  mercies  of  the  new  cove- 
nant, amidst  the  most  alarming  danger  and  distress, 
which  can  be  supposed;  ver.  1 — 6.  (2)  A  thankful  re 
hearsal  of  the  great  things  which  God  had  wrought  for 
the  deliverance  of  his  people,  and  the  destruction  of 
their  enemies  ;  ver.  6 — 9.  (3)  God's  heart-composing 
promise  of  promoting  his  own  glory  in  every  providence  ; 
and  faith's  expectation  of  protection  and  deliverance 
therefrom;  ver.  10,    11. 

While  I  sing  it,  come  my  soul,  encourage  thyself  in 
Jehovah  as  thy  God,  and  thy  all.  Come  drink  abun  - 
dantly  out  of  Jesus'  heart-gladning  river  of  life,  his 
word,  his  blood,  his  spirit,  his  fulness,  his  love  ;  and 
holding  fast  the  beginning  of  thy  confidence  unto  the  end, 
alway  give  thanks. 

("^  OD  is  onr  refuge  and  our  strength, 
"J|~  in  straits  a  present  aid. 


i 


H24  PSALM    XLVI. 

2  Therefore,  although  the  earth  remove* 

we  will  not  be  afraid  : 
Though  hills  amidst  the  seas  be  cast, 

3  Though  waters  roaring  make, 

And  troubled  be  ;  yea,  though  the  hllls?; 

by  swelling  seas  do  shake. 
4?  A  river  is,  whose  streams  do  glad 

the  city  of  our  God ; 
The  holy  place  wherein  the  Lord 

most  high  hath  his  abode. 

5  God  in  the  midst  of  her  doth  dwell  *7 

nothing  shall  her  remove  : 
The  Lord  to  her  an  helper  will, 
and  that  right  early,  prove. 

6  The  heathen  rag'd  tumultously, 

the  kingdoms  moved  were  : 
The  Lord  God  uttered  his  voice, 
the  earth  did  melt  for  fear. 

7  The  Lord  of  Hosts  upon  our  side 

doth  constantly  remain  : 
The  God  of  Jacob's  our  refuge, 
us  safely  to  maintain. 

B  Come,  and  behold  what  wondrous  works 
have  by  the  Lord  been  wrought  : 
Come  see  what  desolations 
he  on  the  earth  hath  brought. 

9  Unto  the  ends  of  all  the  earth 

wars  into  peace  he  turns  : 
The  bow  he  breaks,  the  spear  he  cuts,. 
in  fire  the  chariot  burns. 

10  Be  still,  and  know  that  I  am  God  : 

among  the  heathen  I 
Will  be  exalted,  I  on  eartli 
will  be  exalted  high. 


PSALM   XLVII.  125 

11  Our  God,  who  is  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
is  still  upon  our  side  : 
The  Grod  of  Jacob  our  refuge, 
for  ever  will  abide. 

PSALM  XLVIL 

To  the  chief  musician.    A  Psalm  for  the  sens  of  Korah. 

This  Psalm  was  probably  composed  on  the  same  occa- 
sion as  the  24th.  Here  is,  (1)  a  revenue  of  praise  de- 
manded for  God,  from  all  people,  Jews  and  Gentiles  ; 
ver.  1,  6.  (2)  A  memorial  of  the  grounds  of  praise, 
viz.  the  majesty  of  God's  nature  ;  ver.  2.  The  great 
things  he  had  done  or  would  do  for  his  people,  in  sub- 
duing their  foes,  and  providing  portions  for  themselves  ; 
and  in  ascending  to  heaven,  to  receive  gifts  and  prepare 
places  for  men  ;  ver.  3 — 5.  As  also  the  high  sovereign- 
ty and  universal  extent  of  his  government ;  ver.  2. 
7—9. 

While  my  lips  utter  this  song,  let  all  my  inward 
powers  labour  in  viewing,  in  loving,  in  admiring,  in 
extolling,  my  great,  my  glorious,  my  ascended,  my 
all-governing,  all-doing,  and  all-giving  Lord,  Jesus 
Christ. 

ALL  people  clap  your  hands ;  to  God 
with  voice  of  triumph  shout, 

2  For  dreadful  is  the  Lord  most  high, 

great  King  the  earth  throughout. 

3  The  heathen  people  under  us 

he  surely  shall  subdue  ; 
And  he  shall  make  the  nations 
under  our  feet  to  bow. 

4?  The  lot  of  our  inheritance 
choose  out  for  us  shall  he, 
Of  Jacob  whom  he  loved  well, 
ev'n  the  excellency. 
L  i 


l-3  PSALM    XLVIII. 

5  God  is  with  shouts  gone  up,  the  Lord 

with  trumpets  sounding  high. 

6  Sing  praise  to  God,  sing  praise,  sing  praise; 

praise  to  our  King  sing  ye. 

7  For  God  is  king  of  all  the  earth  : 

with  knowledge  praise  express, 

8  God  rules  the  nations,  God  sits  on 

his  throne  of  holiness. 

9  The  princes  of  the  people  are 

assembled  willingly  ; 
Ev'n  of  the  God  of  Abraham 

they  who  the  people  be. 
For  why  ?  the  shields  that  do  defend 

the  earth,  are  only  his  : 
They  to  the  Lord  belong ;  yea,  he 

exalted  greatly  is. 

PSALM  XL VIII. 

A  Song  and  Psalm  for  the  so?is  of  Korah. 

This  Psalm  was  no  doubt  composed  to  celebrate  some 
remarkable  victory  or  deliverance,  in  the  days  of  David, 
Jehoshaphat  >  2  Chron.  xx.  or  Hezekiah,  2  Kings  xix. 
We  have  here  (1)  Jerusalem,  the  capital  city  of  Israel, 
and  type  of  the  gospel  church  and  heavenly  state,  cele- 
brated for  her  beauty  and  relation  to  God,  as  the  resi- 
dence of  his  temple  and  ordinances  ;  ver.  1,  2.  (2)  Je- 
hovah, the  God  of  Israel,  celebrated  for  his  kind  and 
powerful  protection  of  Jerusalem,  and  for  making  her 
enemies  flee  off  with  much  precipitation  and  terror  ;  ver. 
3 — 7.  (s)  The  people  of  God,  particularly  in  Jerusa- 
lem, meditating  upon,  and  celebrating  the  gracious  and 
mighty  things,  which  (^Jod  had,  or  would  do  for  them  ; 
and  for  his  discoveries  of  himself  to  them  ;  and  promis- 
ing themselves  sure  and  lasting  happiness  in  his  relation 
to  them,  and  direction  of  them  ;  ver.  8 — 14. 

While  I  sing  these  verses,  let  me  be  deeply  affected 
with  tb^  dorr,  vith  the.  r»rivilenres,  and  r.h^tW  with  the. 


PSALM    XLVIII.  127 

God  of  the  christian  church,  and  of  the  new  covenant 
state,  and  of  the  New  Jerusalem,  which  is  above,  which 
is  the  mother,  and  the  desired  city  of  us  all. 

£^i  REAT  is  the  Lord,  and  greatly  he 
\JT  is  to  be  praised  still, 
\Vithin  the  city  of  our  God, 
upon  his  holy  hill. 
3  Mount  Zion  stands  most  beautiful 
the  joy  of  all  the  land  ; 
The  city  of  the  mighty  King 
on  her  north  side  doth  stand. 

3  The  Lord  within  her  palaces 

is  for  a  refuge  known. 

4  For,  lo,  the  kings  that  gathered  were 

together,  by  have  gone. 

5  But,  when  they  did  behold  the  same, 

they,  wond'ring,  would  not  stay  t 
But,  being  troubled  at  the  sight, 
they  thence  did  haste  away. 

8  Great  terror  there  took  hold  on  them, 
they  were  possessed  with  fear ; 
Their  grief  came  like  a  woman's  pain 
when  she  a  child  doth  bear. 

7  Thou  Tarshish  ships  with  east  wind  break'st ; 

8  As  we  have  heard  it  told, 
So,  in  the  city  of  the  Lord, 

our  eyes  did  it  behold : 

In  our  God's  city,  which  his  hand 
for  ever  'stablish  will, 

9  We  of  thy  loving  kindness  thought, 

Lord,  in  thy  temple  still. 

10  0  Lord,  according  to  thy  name, 

through  all  the  earth's  thy  praise  t 


l-S  PSALM    XLIX. 

And  thy  right  hand,  O  Lord,  is  full 
of  righteousness  always. 

11  Because  thy  judgments  are  made  known, 

let  Zion  mount  rejoice  ; 
Of  Judah  let  the  daughters  all 

send  forth  a  cheerful  voice. 
\%  Walk  about  Zion,  and  go  round  5 

the  high  tow'rs  thereof  tell 

13  Consider  ye  her  palaces, 

and  mark  her  bulwarks  well : 

That  ye  may  tell  posterity. 

14  For  this  God  doth  abide 
Our  God  for  evermore  ;  he  will 

ev?n  unto  death  us  guide. 

PSALM  XLIX. 

To  the  chief  musician.     A  Psalm  for  the  sons  of  Koxah. 

This  Psalm  is  a  mirror  calculated  to  exhibit  the  emp- 
tiness of  all  wordly  enjoyments.  Observe,  (1)  David's 
earnest  attempt  to  awaken  all  ranks  of  mankind  to  a  se- 
rious consideration  of  this  matter,  as  a  point  of  great 
importance  and  universal  concern ;  ver.  1 — 4.  (2)  His 
irrefragable  proofs  of  the  vanity  of  earthly  enjoyments, 
viz.  that  they  cannot  save  from  death  either  a  man's  self 
or  his  friend ;  and  that  they  cannot  make  men  wise  or 
happy  in  this  world  ;  and  far  less  render  them  happy  in 
the  future  state  ;  ver.  6 — 14.  (3)  His  attempt  to  com- 
fort himself  and  other  saints,  under  the  sense  of  their 
daily  infirmities  and  of  the  chastisements  received  on  ac- 
count of  their  sins  ;  and  against  the  slavish  fears  of  death, 
and  against  temptations  arising  from  the  prosperity  of 
the  wicked  ;  ver.  5,   15 — 18. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  bewail  my  sinful  minding  of,  and 
idolatrous  attachment  to  earthly  things.  Let  me  be  hence- 
forth as  a  weaned  child,  setting  my  affections  on  things 
above,  where  Christ  is  at  the  right  hand  of  God.  Let 
no  uncertain  riches  or  honours,  but  ths  living  God,  be 
the  object  of  all  my  trust  and  joy. 


PSALM    XLIX.  129 

HEAR  this,  all  people,  and  give  ear, 
all  in  the  world  that  dwell ; 

2  Both  low  and  high,  both  rich  and  pooy. 

3  My  mouth  shall  wisdom  tell ; 
My  heart  shall  knowledge  meditate. 

£      I  will  incline  mine  ear 
To  parables  ;  and  on  the  harp 
my  sayings  dark  declare. 

5  Amidst  those  days  that  evil  be, 

why  should  I,  fearing,  doubt, 
When  of  my  heels  th'  iniquity 
shall  compass  me  about  ? 

6  Whoe'r  they  be  that  in  their  wealth 

their  confidence  do  pitch, 
And  boast  themselves  because  they  arfc 
become  exceeding  rich  : 

7  Yet  none  of  these  his  brother  can 

redeem  by  any  way  ; 
Nor  can  he  unto  God  for  him 
sufficient  ransom  pay  : 

8  (Their  soul's  redemption  precious  is 

and  it  can  never  be) 

9  That  still  he  should  for  ever  live, 

and  not  corruption  see. 

10  For  why  ?  he  seeth  that  wise  men  die, 

and  brutish  fools  also 
Do  perish;  and  their  wealth,  when  dead, 
to  others  they  let  go. 
1  i  Their  inward  thought  is,  that  their  house 
and  dwelling-places  shall 
Stand  through  all  ages  :  they  their  lands 
by  their  own  names  do  call. 
t2  But  yet  in  honour  shall  not  man 
abide  continually  ; 


130  PSALM    L. 

But  passing  hence,  may  be  compar'd 
unto  the  beasts  that  die. 

13  Thus  brutish  folly  plainly  is 

their  wisdom  and  their  way  ; 
Yet  their  posterity  approve 
what  they  do  fondly  say. 

14  Like  sheep  they  in  the  grave  are  laid, 

and  death  shall  them  devour ; 
And,  in  the  morning,  upright  men 

shall  over  them  have  power  ; 
Their  beauty,  from  their  dwelling,  shall 

consume  within  the  grave. 
13  But  from  helFs  hand  God  will  me  free^ 

for  he  shall  me  receive. 

16  Be  thou  not  then  afraid  when  one 

enriched  thou  dost  see, 
Nor  when  the  glory  of  his  house 
advanced  is  on  high  : 

17  For  he  shall  carry  nothing  hence, 

when  death  his  days  doth  end : 
Nor  shall  his  glory  after  him 
into  the  grave  descend. 

18  Although  he  his  own  soul  did  bless, 

while  he  on  earth  did  live : 
(And  when  thou  to  thyself  do'st  well, 
men  will  thee  praises  give :) 

19  He  to  his  fathers'  race  shall  go, 

they  never  shall  see  light. 
SO  Man  honoured,  wanting  knowledge,  is 
like  beasts  that  perish  quite. 

PSALM  L. 

A  Psalm  of  Asaph. 
This  Psalm  maybe  considered  as  a  rebuke  to  the  car- 


PSALM   L.  131 

oal  Jews,  who  rested  in,  and  boasted  of  their  external 
ceremonies  in  worship,  to  the  neglect  of  the  weightier 
matters  of  the  law,  mercy,  judgment  and  faith:  or  as  a 
prediction  of  the  coming  of  Christ,  to  abolish  the  cere- 
monial worship,  eject  the  Jews  from  his  church,  and  es- 
tablish a  more  pure  and  spiritual  form  of  worship  under 
the  gospel  :  or,  in  fine,  as  a  representation  of  the  last 
judgment ;  in  which  Christ  shall  come,  to  render  to  eve- 
ry man  according  to  his  deeds.  Observe  (1)  The  awful 
appearance  of  God  our  Redeemer,  in  the  flesh,  in  pow- 
er, or  in  the  clouds  ;  with  the  gathering  of  the  people  to 
him  ;  ver.  1 — 6.  (2)  An  engaging  idmonition  to  impiovc 
God's  new  covenant  grant  of  himself  to  be  our  God,  as 
an  excitement  to  exchange  legal  ceremonies  into  prayer, 
thanksgiving  ard  holy  obedience  ;  or  at  least,  to  give  a 
remarkable  preference  to  the  latter  ;  ver.  7 — 15.  (3)  A 
terrible  charge  of  hypocrisy,  slander,  contempt  of  God's 
word,  and  of  atheistical  imaginations  concerning  God, 
laid  against  the  wicked,  with  a  fearful  sentence  of  con- 
demnation founded  thereon  ;  ver.  16 — 22.  (4)  An  alarm- 
ing warning  of  danger  to  the  forgetters  of  God,  and  en- 
couraging promise  to  such  as  study  to  glorify  him,  by 
an  holy  conversation  ;  ver.  22,  23. 

Sing  this  my  soul,  with  solemn  awe,  sisted  before  the 
great  searcher  of  hearts,  and  as  by  faith  beholding  Jesus 
in  my  nature  ;  sitting  on  his  great  white  throne,  gather- 
ing the  nations  to  his  bar,  opening  the  books  and  judging- 
mankind  out  of  the  things  found  written  therein. 

THE  mighty  God.  the  Lord, 
hath  spoken  and  did  call 
The  earth  from  rising  of  the  sun. 
to  where  he  hath  his  fall. 
,£  From  out  of  Zion  hill, 
which  of  excellency, 
And  beauty  the  perfection  is, 
God  shined  arloriouslv. 
3  Our  God  shall  surely  come, 
keep  silence  shall  not  he  : 
Before  him  fire  shall  waste,  great  storms 
shall  round  about  him  be. 


132  •  PSALM  L. 

4  Unto  the  heavens  clear 

he  from  above  shall  call, 
And  to  the  earth,  likewise,  that  he 
may  judge  his  people  all. 

5  Together  let  my  saints 

unto  me  gathered  be, 
Those  that  by  sacrifice  hath  made 
a  covenant  with  me. 

6  And  then  the  heavens  shall 

his  righteousness  declare  : 

Because  the  Lord  himself  is  he 

by  whom  men  judged  are. 

7  My  people  Israel  hear, 

speak  will  I  from  on  high, 
Against  thee  I  will  testify  : 
God,  ev'n  thy  God,  am  I. 

8  I,  for  thy  sacrifice, 

no  blame  will  on  thee  lay, 
Nor  for  burnt  offerings  which  to  m<^ 
thou  offer' dst  every  day. 

9  I'll  take  no  calf  nor  goats 

from  house  or  fold  of  thine. 

10  For  beasts  of  forests,  cattle  all 

on  thousand  hills  are  mine. 

11  The  fowls  on  mountains  high 

are  all  to  me  well  known  ; 
Wild  beasts,  which  in  the  fields  do  lie, 
ev'n  they  are  all  mine  own. 

12  Then,  if  I  hungry  were, 

I  would  not  tell  it  thee  : 
Because  the  world  and  fulness  all 
thereof  belongs  to  me. 
.13  Will  I  eat  flesh  of  bulls  ? 
or  goats  blood  drink  will  I  ? 


PSALM  *  .  n  ' 

14?  Thanks  offer  thou  to  God,  and  pay 
thy  vows  to  the  most  High. 

15  And  call  upon  me,  when 

in  trouble  thou  shalt  be. 
I  will  deliver  thee,  and  thou 
my  name  shalt  glorify. 

16  But  to  the  wicked  man 

God  saith,  my  laws  and  truth 
Should'st  thou  declare?  how  dar'st  tho*U 
my  covenant  in  thy  mouth  ?  [take 

17  Sith  thou  instruction  hat'st, 

which  should  thy  ways  direct ; 
And  sith  my  words  behind  thy  back 
thou  cast'st,  and  dost  reject. 

18  When  thou  a  thief  didst  see, 

with  him  thou  didst  consent : 
And  with  the  vile  adulterers, 
partaker  on  thou  went. 

19  Thou  giv'st  thy  mouth  to  ill, 

thy  tongue  deceit  doth  frame. 

50  Thou  sitt'st  and  'gainst  thy  brother  speak'st; 

thy  mother's  son  dost  shame. 

51  Because  I  silence  kept, 

while  thou  these  things  hast  wrought : 
That  I  was  altogether  like 

thyself  hath  been  thy  thought ; 
Yet  I  will  thee  reprove, 

and  set  before  thine  eyes 
In  order  ranked,  thy  misdeeds, 

and  thine  iniquities. 
£2  Now,  ye  that  God  forget, 

this  carefully  consider ; 
Lest  I  in  pieces  tear  you  all, 

and  none  can  vou  deliver. 
M 


IS*  PSALM  L. 

S3  Whoso  doth  offer  praise, 
ine  glorifies,  and  I 
Will  shew  him  God's  salvation, 
that  orders  right  his  way. 

SECOND  VERSION. 

THE  mighty  God  the  Lord  hath  spoke> 
and  caiFd  the  earth  upon, 
Ev?u  from  the  rising  of  the  sun, 

unto  his  going  down. 
%  From  out  of  Zion  his  own  hill, 
where  the  perfection  high 
Of  heauty  is,  from  thence  the  Lord, 
hath  shined  gloriously. 

3  Our  God  shall  come,  and  shall  no  more 

be  silent,  but  speak  out : 
Before  him  fire  shall  waste,  great  storms 
shall  compass  him  about. 

4  He,  to  the  heavens  from  above, 

and  to  the  earth  below, 
Shall  call,  that  he  his  judgments  may 
before  his  people  show. 

5  Let  all  my  saints  together  be, 

unto  me  gathered  : 
Those  that  by  sacrifice  with  me 
a  covenant  have  made. 

6  And  then  the  heavens  shall  declare 

his  righteousness  abroad 
Because  the  Lord  himself  doth  come^ 
none  else  is  judge  but  God. 

7  Hear,  0  my  people,  and  Pll  speak  y 

O  Israel  by  name, 
Against  thee  I  will  testify, 
God,  ev'n  thy  God,  I  am. 


PSALM  U  ^35 

S  I,  for  thy  sacrifices  few, 
reprove  thee  never  will ; 
Nor  for  burnt- offerings  to  have  been 
before  me  offer' d  still. 

9  I'll  take  no  bullock,  nor  he-goats,, 

from  house  nor  fold  of  thiue. 

10  For  beasts  of  forests,  cattle  all 

on  thousand  hills,  are  mine. 

11  The  fowls  are  all  to  me  well  known 

that  mountains  hiarli  do  vield  : 
And  I  do  challenge  as  mine  own 
the  wild  beasts  of  the  field. 

IS  If  I  were  hungry,  I  would  not 
to  thee  for  need  complain  ; 
For  earth,  and  all  its  fulness,  doth 
to  me  of  right  pertain. 

13  That  I  to  eat  the  flesh  of  bulls 

take  pleasure,  dost  thou  think  ? 
Or  that  I  need,  to  quench  my  thirst, 
the  blood  of  goats  to  drink  ? 

14  Nay  rather  unto  me,  thy  God, 

thanksgiving  offer  thou  ; 
To  the  most  High  perform  thy  word, 
and  fully  pay  thy  vow. 

15  And  in  the  day  of  trouble  great, 

see  that  thou  call  on  me  ; 
I  will  deliver  thee,  and  thou 
my  name  shalt  glorify. 

16  JBut  God  unto  the  wicked  saith, 

why  should7  st  thou  mention  make 
Of  my  commands  ?  how  dars't  thou  in 
thy  mouth  my  covenant  take  ? 

17  Sith  it  is  so  that  thou  dost  hate 

all  good  instruction  : 


1*3-6  PSALM    LI. 

And  sith  thou  cast'st  behind  tlry  back, 
and  slights  my  words  each  one. 

18  When  thou  a  thief  didst  see,  then  straight 
thou  joind'st  with  him  in  sin ; 


And  with  the  vile  adulterers 
thou  hast  partaker  been. 

1 9  Thy  mouth  to  evil  thou  dost  give, 

thy  tongue  deceit  doth  frame. 

20  Thou  sitt'st,  and  'gainst  thy  brother  speak'st 

thy  mother's  son  to  shame. 

21  These  things  thou  wickedly  hast  done, 

and  I  have  silent  been ; 
Thou  thought's t  that  I  was  like  thyself, 

and  did  approve  thy  sin  : 
But  I  will  sharply  thee  reprove, 

and  I  will  order  right 
Thy  sins  and  thy  transgressions* 

in  presence  of  thy  sight. 

%%  Consider  this,  and  be  afraid, 
ye  that  forget  the  Lord, 
Lest  I  in  pieces  tear  you  all, 
when  none  can  help  afford. 
%$  Who  off'reth  praise,  me  glorifies* 
I  will  shew  God's  salvation 
To  him  that  ordereth  aright 
his  life  and  conversation. 

PSALM  LI. 

To  the  chief  Musician.  A  Psalm  of  David,  when  j\'a  + 
than  the  Prophet  ca??iezinto  him,  after  he  had  gone  in 
unto  Ba'Thsheba. 

This  Psalm  was  penned  by  David,  when  reproved  by 
Nathan  for  his  adultery  with  Bathsheba,  and  for  his  mur- 
der of  Uriah,  2  Sam.  xii.   We  have  in  it,   (i)David> 


PSALM    LI.  13/ 

candid  and  truly  sorrowful  acknowledgments  of  his  sin, 
particularly  his  adultery  and  murder,  as  highly  dishonour- 
able to  God  ;  and  of  his  original  sin,  as  the  source  there- 
of;  ver.  1 — 5,  17.  (2)  His  earnest  supplications  for  par- 
don of  his  offences,  and  for  heart-purifying,  and  renew- 
ing grace  ;  for  renewed  influences  of  the  Holy  Ghost ; 
for  peace  of  conscience,  and  comfortable  fellowship  with 
God  for  himself ;  ver.  1,  2,  6 — 15.  and  for  reformation  of, 
and  prosperity  to  the  church,  which  had  been  hurt  by  his 
sin  ;  ver.  18,  19.  (3)  His  sincere  purposes  of  heart,  to 
improve  God's  favours  to  himself,  in  promoting  the  in- 
struction of  others,  and  in  giving  them  an  honourable 
pattern  of  an  exact  celebration  of  God's  public  worship  ; 
ver.  13,  14,  15,  16,  19. 

While  I  sing  this  penetential  Psalm;  let  my  heart  be  fil- 
led with  clear  but  evangelic  views  of  my  aggravated,  my 
unnumbered  transgressions  ;  and  with  deep  sorrow  and 
remorse  for  them.  Let  me  pour  forth  supplications, 
strong  cries  and  tears  to  him  who  is  able  to  forgive  all 
mine  iniquities,  and  to  deliver  me  from  every  corruption. 
Let  me  wash  myself  in  Jesus'  blood,  as  the  fountain  open- 
ed to  men  for  sin  and  for  uncleanness. 

AFTER  thy  loving-kindness,  Lord, 
have  mercy  upon  me  ^ 
For  thy  compassions  great,  blot  out 
all  mine  iniquity. 

2  Me  cleanse  from  sin,  and  throughly  wash 

from  mine  iniquity. 

3  For  my  transgressions  I  confess, 

my  sin  I  ever  see. 

4*  'Gainst  thee,  thee  only,  have  I  sinn'd ; 
in  thy  sight  done  this  ill  : 
That  when  thou  speak'st,  thou  mayst  be  just 
and  clear  in  judging  still. 
5  Behold,  I  in  iniquity 

was  form'd  the  womb  within; 
My  mother  also  me  conceived 
in  guiltiness  and  sin. 
Mm 


*38  PSALM  LI. 

6  Behold,  thou,  in  the  inward  parts,, 

with  truth  delighted  art ; 
And  wisdom  thou  shalt  make  me  know 
within  the  hidden  part. 

7  Do  thou  with  hyssop  sprinkle  me, 

I  shall  be  cleansed  so  : 
Yea,  wash  thou  me,  and  then  I  shall 
be  whiter  than  the  snowT. 
S  Of  gladness  and  of  joyfulness 
make  me  to  hear  the  voice ; 
That  so  these  very  bones,  which  thou 
hast  broken,  may  rejoice. 
9  All  mine  iniquities  blot  out ; 
thy  face  hide  from  my  sin. 
40  Create  a  clean  heart,  Lord  renew 
a  right  sp'rit  me  within. 

il  Cast  me  not  from  thy  sight,  nor  take 

thy  holy  Sp'rit  away. 
\%  Restore  me  thy  salvation^  joy, 

with  thy  free  Sp'rit  me  stay. 

13  Then  will  I  teach  thy  ways  unto 

those  that  trangressors  be  ; 
And  those  that  sinners  are  shall  then 
be  turned  unto  thee. 

14  0  God,  of  my  salvation  God, 

me  from  blood- guiltiness 
Set  free  :  then  shall  my  tongue  aloud 
sing  of  thy  righteousness. 

15  My  closed  lips,  O  Lord,  by  thee 

let  them  be  opened  ; 
Then  shall  thy  praises  by  my  mouth 
abroad  be  published. 
tft  For  thou  desir'st  not  sacrifice, 
else  would  Ijgive  it  thee : 


PSALM   LII.  13* 

Nor  wilt  thou  with  burnt-offering 
at  all  delighted  he. 

17  A  broken  spirit  is  to  God 

a  pleasing  sacrifice  : 
A  broken  and  a  contrite  heart, 
Lord  thou  wilt  not  despise. 

18  Shew  kindness  and  do  good,  O  Lord, 

to  Zion  thine  own  hill : 
The  walls  of  thy  Jerusalem 
build  up  of  thy  good  will. 

19  Then  righteous  offerings  shall  thee  please, 

and  offerings  burnt,  which  they, 
With  whole  burnt- offerings;  and  with  calves* 
shall  on  thine  altar  lay. 

PSALM  LII. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  Maschil.  A  Psalm  of  I>jriD9 
when  Doeg  the  EDOMifE,  came  and  told  Saul,  and 
said  unto  him,  Da  vid  is  come  to  the  house  of  ,4b  i  me- 
lech. 

This  Psalm  relates  to  Doeg  the  Edomite,  who  inform- 
ed Saul,  how  Abimelech  the  high-priest  had  entertained 
David  and  his  servants,  and  in  consequence  thereof 
murdered  Abimelech,  and  above  fourscore  other  priests  ; 
1  Sam.  xxii.  Here,  (1)  David  charges  Doeg  that,  not- 
withstanding the  manifested  and  everlasting  goodness  of 
God,  he  gloried  in  his  malice,  craft,  cruelty,  and  other 
wickedness ;  ver.  1 — 5.  (2)  By  the  spirit  of  prophecy  he 
condemns  him  for  his  wickedness,  to  be  pluckt  from  his 
dwelling,  and  rooted  out  of  the  land  of  the  living,  to  the 
great  joy  of  the  fearers  of  God  ;  ver.  6,  7.  (3)  He  com- 
forts himself  in  the  everlasting  mercy  of  God,  and  with 
the  assured  hopes  that  he  should  yet  praise  him  for  his 
kindness  ;  ver.  8,  9. 

Learn,  O  my  soul,  to  detest  all  deceit  and  cruelty- 
Learn,  to  imitate  the  goodness  of  God,  which  endureth 
continually  ;  and,  while  friends  are  cut  off  or  foes  pre- 


UO  PSALM   LII. 

vail,  let  me  live  by  faith  on  a  gracious  God,  as  my  all 
and  in  all. 

WHY  dost  thou  boast,  O  mighty  man, 
of  mischief  and  of  ill  ? 
The  goodness  of  Almighty  God 

endureth  ever  still.  n 

2  Thy  tongue  mischievous  calumnies 

devisetli  subtilely  : 
Like  to  a  razor  sharp  to  cut, 
working  deceitfully. 

3  111  more  than  good,  and  more  than  truth 

thou  lovest  to  speak  wrong  : 

4  Thou  lovest  all  devouring  words, 

O  thou  deceitful  tongue. 

5  So  God  shall  thee  destroy  for  aye, 

remove  thee,  pluck  thee  out 
Quite  from  thy  house,  out  of  the  land 
of  life  he  shall  thee  root. 

6  The  righteous  shall  it  see,  and  fear, 

and  laugh  at  him  they  shall : 

7  Lo,  this  the  man  is,  that  did  not 

make  God  his  strength  at  all : 
But  he  in  his  abundant  wealth 

his  confidence  did  place  ; 
And  he  took  strength  unto  himself 

from  his  own  wickedness. 

8  But  I  am  in  the  house  of  God 

like  to  an  olive  green  : 
My  confidence  for  ever  hath 
upon  God's  mercy  been. 

9  And  I  for  ever  will  thee  praise, 

because  thou  hast  done  this  : 
I  on  thy  name  will  wait;  for  good 
before  thy  saints  it  is. 


(      HI      ) 

psalm  Lin; 

To  the  chief  Musician,  up.on  Mahal a<Tii   Maschil, 
A  Psalm  of  Da  vid. 

This  Psalm  is  much  the  same  as  the  14th.  It  speaks, 
(1)  Humbling  convictions  to  all  men,  of  their  sinfulness 
of  nature  and  practice  ;  ver.  1 — 3.  (2)  Fearful  terrors 
to  them  who  persecute  and  oppress  the  people  of  God  ; 
ver.  4,  5.  (3)  Abundant  comfort,  in  the  salvation  of  God, 
to  his  persecuted  saints  ;  ver.  5,  6. 

Learn,  my  soul,  frequently  to  review  thy  original  and 
contracted  fiithiness.     Admire  the  patience  and  mercy  of 
God  towards  mankind.     Trust  not  in  man,  for  wherein 
is  he  to  be  accounted  of  I  In  the  the  full  assurance  of  faithj 
wait  patiently  for  God's  salvation. 


T 


HAT  there  is  not  a  God,  tlie  fool 
doth  in  his  heart  conclude  : 
They  are  corrupt,  their  works  are  vile, 
not  one  of  them  do?th  good. 

2  The  Lord  upon  the  sons  of  men 

from  Heaven  did  cast  his  eyes. 
To  see  if  any  one  there  was 
that  sought  God,  and  was  wise. 

3  They  altogether  filthy  are, 

they  all  are  backward  gone  ; 
And  there  is  none  that  doeth  good, 

no  not  so  much  as  one. 
1  These  workers  of  iniquity 

do  they  not  know  at  all, 
That  they  my  people  eat  as  bread, 

and  on  God  do  not  call  ? 

o  Ev'n  there  they  were  afraid,  and  stood. 
with  trembling  all  dismayed  ; 
Whereas  there  was  no  cause  at  all 
why  they  should  be  afraid  : 


>42  PSALM    L1V. 

.      #  1 

For  God,  his  bones  that  thee  besieged 

hath  scatter' d  all  abroad  :r 
Thou  hast  confounded  them,  for  they 
despised  are,  of  God. 

6  Let  Israel's  help  from  Zion  come ; 
when  back  the  Lord  shall  bring 
His  captives,  Jacob  shall  rejoice, 
and  Israel  shall  sing. 

PSALM  LIV. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  on  A'egjnot'h  Maschil.  .i 
Psalm  of  David,  when  the  Ziphjms  came  and  said 
to  Saul,  Both  not  David  hide  himself  with  us. 

This  Psalm  was  composed  when  the  Ziphites,  men  of 
the  same  tribe  with  David,  instigated  Saul  to  destroy 
him,  and  directed  him  how  to  accomplish  it ;  1  Sam. 
xxiiu  xxvi.  It  contains,  (1)  David's  strong  cries  to  his 
God,  that  he  would  save  and  judge  him,  and  hear  his  re- 
quests ;  ver.  1,2.  (2)  Bitter  complaints  of  the  oppres- 
sion and  impiety  of  his  enemies  ;  ver.  3.  (3)  His  tri- 
umphant consolation  of  himself,  in  the  view  of  what  God 
was  to  him,  and  would  do  for  him,  intermixed  with  holy 
resolutions  to  praise  him  for  his  kindness  ;  ver.  4 — 7. 

While  Satan  and  my  lusts,  and  the  men  of  this  world, 
«unite  to  destroy  me,  let  me  call  on  God.  Let  me  be 
strong  in  the  Lord,  and  in  the  power  of  his  might.  Let 
me  rejoice  in  him,  who  hath  delivered,  doth  deliver,  and 
in  whom  I  trust  that  he  will  deliver  me. 

SAVE  me,  0  God,  by  thy  great  name^ 
and  i  idge  me  by  thy  strength. 

2  My  prayer  hear,  O  God  ;  give  ear 

unto  my  words  at  length. 

3  For  they  that  strangers  are  to  me 

'  ,  do  up  against  me  rise  ; 
Oppressors  seek  my  soul,  and  God, 
set  not  before  their  eyes. 


PSALM    LV.  143 

4  The  Lord  my  God  my  helper  is, 

1q,  therefore  I  am  bold  : 
He  taketh  part  with  every  one 
that  doth  my  soul  uphold. 

5  Unto  mine  enemies  he  shall 

mischief  and  ill  repay. 
O,  for  thy  truth's  sake,  cut  them  off, 
and  sweep  them  clean  away. 

$  I  will  a  sacrifice  to  thee 

give  with  free  willingness  : 
Thy  name,  O  Lord,  because  'tis  good, 
with  praise  I  will  confess. 
f  For  he  hath  me  delivered 
from  all  adversities ; 
And  his  desire  mine  eye  hath  seen 
upon  mine  enemies.  •  ■ 

PSALM  LV. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  on  NEGmofH  Mascuii. 
A  Psalm  of  Da  vid. 

This  Psalm  was  probably  penned  by  David,  when  he  fled 
from  Jerusalem,  For  fear  of  Absalom  his  son  ;  2  Sam  xv, 
xvi.  Observe,  (1)  David's  earnest  prayers  for  help  and 
favour  from  God,  amidst  his  great  oppression,  griefs,  and 
fears;  ver.  1 — 8.  (2)  His  requests  for  the  just  manifes- 
tation of  God's  vengeance,  in  the  dispersion  and  destruc- 
ton  of  his  enemies,  who,  in  Jerusalem,  particularly  Ahi- 
tophel,  had  behaved  in  so  base  and  treacherous  a  manner ; 
ver.9 — 15.  (3)  Resolved  on  frequent  and  fervent  prayer, 
he  encourages  himself  and  friends  to  trust  in  God  for 
support  and  deliverance,  and  for  the  speedy  destruction 
of  their  enemies,  however  deceitful  and  bloody  ;  ver.  1(3 
—23. 

While  I  sing,  behold,  my  soul,  as  in  a  glass,  how 
Jesus  our  Redeemer,  was  hated,  was  betrayed,  and  mur- 
dered by  his  bretheren  of  Judah,  at  Jerusalem  ;  and  how 
the  fearful  vengeance  of  the  Almighty  overtook  them3  on 


144 


PSALM   LV. 


that  account.  And  if  I  am  oppressed,  defamed,  or  per- 
secuted, that  I  know  not  whither  to  fiee  ;  if  in  cities,  or 
in  particular  friends,  wickedness  and  malice  disco\er 
themselves,  let  me  study  resignation  to  the  disposals  of 
Providence,  and  call  upon  God  in  the  assured  hopes 
that  he  will  answer  in  due  time.  Let  me  cast  all  my  wants 
and  burdens  on  him,  who  is  my  God,  that  doth, me  save. 

LOKD,  hear  my  pray'r,  liide  not  thyself 
from  my  intreatiug  voice  : 
8  Attend  and  hear  me  ;  in  my  plaint 
I  mourn  and  make  a  noise  : 

3  Because  of  th'  en'my's  voice,  and  for 

lewd  men's  oppression  great  : 
On  me  they  cast  iniquity, 
and  they  in  wrath  me  hate. 

4  Sore  pain'd  within  me  is  my  heart : 

death's  terrors  on  me  fall. 

5  On  me  comes  trembling,  fear  and  dread 

o'erwhelmed  me  withal. 

6  0  that  I  like  a  dove  had  wings, 

said  I,  then  would  I  flee 
Far  hence,  that  I  might  find  a  place 
where  I  in  rest  might  he. 

7  Lo,  then  far  off  I  wander  would, 

and  in  the  desart  stay  : 

8  From  windy  storm,  and  tempest  I 

would  haste  to  'scape  away. 

9  O  Lord,  on  them  destruction  bring, 

and  do  their  tongues  divide  : 
For  in  the  city  violence 
and  strife  I  have  espy'd. 
i  0  They  day  and  night  upon  the  walls 
do  go  about  it  round  ; 
There  mischief  is,  and  sorrow  there 
in  midst  of  it  is  found. 


PSALM    LV;  m 

11  Abundant  wickedness  there  is 

within  her  inward  part ; 
And  from  her  streets  deceitfulness 
and  guile  do  not  depart. 

12  He  was  no  foe  that  me  reproach'd, 

then  that  endure  I  could  ; 
Nor  hater  that  did  'gainst  me  boast, 
from  him  me  hide  I  would. 

13  But  thou,  man,  who  mine  equal,  guide 

and  mine  acquaintance  wast. 

14  We  join'd  sweet  counsels,  to  God's  house 

in  company  we  past. 

15  Let  dfeath  upon  them  seize,  and  dow% 

let  them  go  quick  to  hell  : 
For  wickedness  doth  much  abound 
among  them  where  they  dwell. 

16  Fll  call  on  God:  God  will  me  save. 

17  I'll  pray,  and  make  a  noise 

At  evening,  morning,  and  at  noon; 
and  he  shall  hear  my  voice. 

18  He  hath  my  soul  delivered, 

that  it  in  peace  might  be 
From  battle  that  against  me  was  ; 
for  many  were  with  me. 

19  The  Lord  shall  hear  and  them  afflict, 

of  old  who  hath  abode  ; 
Because  they  never  changes  have, 
therefore  they  fear  not  God. 

30  'Gainst  those  that  were  at  peace  with  him 
he  hath  put  forth  his  hand  : 
The  covenant  that  he  hath  made, 
by  breaking  he  profan'd. 
•21  More  smooth  than  butter  were  his  words, 
while  in  his  heart  was  war ; 
N 


Tfejs 


PSALM   LVI. 


His  speeches  were  more  soft  than  oii, 
and  yet  drawn  swords  they  are. 

82  Cast  thou  thy  burden  on  the  Lord, 
and  he  shall  thee  sustain ; 
Yea,  he  shall  cause  the  righteous  man 
unmoved  to  remain. 
23  But  thou,  O  Lord  my  God,  those  men 
in  justice  shalt  o'erthrow, 
And  in  destructions  dungeon  dark 
at  last  shall  lay  them  low : 

The  bloody  and  deceitful  men 
shall  not  live  half  their  days  ; 

But  upon  thee  with  confidence 
I  will  depend  always. 

PSALM  LVI. 

To  the  chief  Musician %  upon  Jonah  relem-echokim. 
Mich? am  of  David,  when  the  Philistines  took 
him  in  Gath. 

This  Psalm  was  penned  by  David,  when  the  Philistines 
apprehended  him.  in  Gath  ;  1  Sam.  xxi,  ver.  10 — 15. 
And  contains,  (1)  His  earnest  supplications  to  God,  for 
merciful  protection,  and  deliverance  from  his  enemies, 
who  were  barbarous,  powerful,  crafty,  malicious,  and 
restless;  ver.  1,  2,  5,  6,  7.  (2)  His  assured  confidence 
in  God,  as  his  own  God,  who  had  spoken  good  concer- 
ting him,  and  took  particular  notice  of  his  grievances  ; 
ver.  3,  4,  8,  11.  (3)  Firm  hopes  that  his  prayers  should 
issue  in  the  defeat  of  his  enemies,  and  that  his  faith  would 
set  him  above  the  slavish  fears  of  men  ;  ver.  9 —  1 1 .  and 
that,  while  he  paid  his  vows  to  God,  he  should  have  fur- 
ther occasion  to  praise  the  Lord,  for  what  he  had  done, 
and  would  do  for  him  ;  ver.  12,   13. 

Thus  let  me,  in  all  my  straits,  have  recourse  to  Goc?. 
While  his  promises  remain  infallible,  let  me  rejoice 
therein,  and  without  anxiety  cheerfully  expect  the  fulfil- 
ment thereof. 


PSALM   LVL  147 

SHEW  mercy,  Lord,  to  me,  for  man 
would  swallow  me  outright : 
He  me  oppresseth,  while  he  doth 
against  me  daily  fight. 
£  They  daily  would  me  swallow  ^tp, 
that  hate  me  spitefully; 
For  they  be  many  that  do  fight 
against  me,  O  most  High. 

3  When  I'm  afraid,  I'll  trust  in  thees 
4?      In  God  I'll  praise  his  word  : 
I  will  not  fear  what  flesh  can  do. 

my  trust  is  in  the  Lord. 
3  Each  day   they    wrest   my    words,    their 

'gainst  me,  are  all  for  ill.  [thoughts 

6  They  meet,  they  lurk,  they  mark  my  steps-, 

waiting  my  soul  to  kill. 

y  But  shall  they  by  iniquity 
escape  thy  judgements  so  ? 
0  God,  with  indignation  down 
do  thou  the  people  throw. 

8  My  wand'rings  all  what  they  have  been 

thou  know'st.  their  number  took  ; 
Into  thy  bottle  put  my  tears ; 
are  they  not  in  thy  book  ? 

9  My  foes  shall,  when  I  cry,  turn  back, 

I  know't,  God  is  for  me. 

10  In  God  his  word  I'll  praise  :  his  word 

in  God  shall  praised  be. 

1 1  In  God  I  trust,  I  will  not  fear 

what  man  can  do  to  me. 

12  Thy  vows  upon  me  are,  O  God : 

I'll  render  praise  to  thee. 

13  Wilt  thou  not,  who  from  death  me  sav't^ 

my  feet  from  falls  keep  free, 


H* 


PSALM   LVIL 


To  walk  before  God  in  the  ligjii 
of  those  that  living  be  ? 

PSALM  LVIL 

To  the  chief  Musician,  dL-fA  south,  MlcHfAM  of  Da* 
vict,  when  he  fed  from  Saul  in  the  cave. 

This  Psalm  was  penned  by  David,  when  he  fled  from 
Saul  in  the  cave ;  I  Sam.  xxiv.  And  contains,  (1)  Da~ 
vid's  earnest  betaking  of  himself  to  God,  upon  whom  all 
his  dependence  was  fixed  ;  towards  whom  all  his  de- 
sires were  bent ;  and  from  whom  only  be  expected  relief; 
for  mercy  amidst  his  great  troubles  ;  ver.  1,  2.  (2)  His 
complaints  of  the  cruelty,  malice,  and  calumnious  deceit 
of  his  inveterate  enemies ;  ver.  3,  4,  6.  (3)  His  be- 
lieving triumph  in  God ;  in  which  he  prepares  himself 
for  praising  God  ;  excites  himself  to  it ;  delights  himself 
in  it ;  and  furnisheth  himself  with  matter  for  it ;  ver. 
7—10.  (4)  Conscious  of  his  own  inability  to  praise  God 
enough,  he-  leaves  it  on  God,  to  exalt  and  glorify  him- 
self; ver,  5 — 11. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  cry  loud  for  mercy  ;  let  me  lay 
my  spiritual  and  temporal  adversities  before  the  Lord  ; 
and  let  me  triumph  in  the  God  of  my  salvation  ;  and  em- 
ploy him  to  glorify  his  name  in  all  the  earth. 

f%  E  merciful  to  me,  O  God, 
J3  thy  mercy  unto  me 

Do  thou  extend  ;  because  my  soul 

doth  put  her  trust  in  thee  : 
Yeay  in  the  shadow  of  thy  wings 

my  refuge  I  will  place, 
Until  these  sad  calamities 
do  wholly  overpass. 
S  My  cry  I  will  cause  to  ascend 
unto  the  Lord  most  High  : 
To  God,  who  doth  all  things  for  me 
perform  most  perfectly. 
8  From  Heav'n  he  shall  send  down,  and  imp 
from  his  reproach  defend 


PSALM   LVIII.  149 

That  would  devour  me  :  God  his  truth 
and  mercy  forth  shall  send. 

4  My  soul  among  fierce  lions  is, 

I  fire-brands  live  among  : 
Men's  sons,  whose  teeth  are  spears  and  darts, 
a  sharp  sword  is  their  tongue, 

5  Be  thou  exalted  very  high 

above  the  heav'ns  O  0od ; 
Let  thou  thy  glory  be  advanced 
o'er  all  the  earth  abroad. 

6  My  soul's  bow'd  down  :  for  they  a  ne? 

have  laid,  my  steps  to  snare  : 
Into  the  pit  which  they  have  digg'd 
for  me,  they  fallen  are. 

7  My  heart  is  fix'd,  my  heart  is  iix'd, 

O  God  I'll  sing  and  praise, 

8  My  glory,  wake ;  wake  psalt'ry,  harp  °3 

myself  I'll  early  raise. 

9  I'll  praise  thee  'mong  the  people,  Lord, 

'mong  nations  sing  will  I. 

10  For  great  to  Heav'n  thy  mercy  is, 

thy  truth  is  to  the  sky. 

11  O  Lord,  exalted  be  thy  name, 

above  the  heav'ns  to  stand 
Do  thou  thy  glory  far  advance 
above  both  sea  and  land. 

PSALM  LVIIL 

To    the   chief  Musician,     AlU'aschjt'h.     MicnfAto.'of. 
David. 

This  Psalm  was  probably  composed  by  David,  when 
Saul  carried  on  some  kind  of  legal  prosecution  against 
him,  which  is  not  mentioned  in  the  history  of  his  reign, 
Here,  (1)  He  describes  the  corruption  erf  these  judges' 


,150  PSALM   LVIII. 

government,  in  neglecting  to  do  justice,  and  in  readiness,' 
to  do  injustice  ;  and  the  corruption  of  their  nature,  with 
malice,  falsehood  and  obstinate  untractableness  ;  1 — 5. 
(2)  He  prays  that  God  would  disable  them  to  perpetrate 
mischief  ;  would  defeat  their  projects,  and  weaken  their 
influence ;  ver.  6 — 8.  (3)  He  predicts  their  ruin,  as  cal- 
culated to  promote  the  comfort  of  the  godly,  and  the  con- 
viction of  sinners. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  search  out  my  corruptions,  and 
bewail  my  obstinate  refusals  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  the 
counsels  of  his  word.  Let  me  dread  the  speedy  but  aw- 
ful vengeance  of  God,  if  I  regard  iniquity  in  my  heart, 
or  indulge  it  in  my  life. 

DO  ye,  O  congregation, 
indeed  speak  righteousness  ? 
O  ye  that  are  the  sons  of  men, 
judge  ye  with  uprightness  ? 

2  Yea,  ev'n  within  your  very  hearts 

ye  wickedness  have  done  ; 
And  ye  the  violence  of  your  hands 
do  weigh  the  earth  upon. 

3  The  wicked  men  estranged  are 

ev'n  from  the  very  womb  ; 
They  speaking  lies  do  stray,  as  soon 

as  to  the  world  they  come. 
$  Unto  a  serpent's  poison  like 

their  poison  doth  appear  ; 
Yea,  they  are  like  the  adder  deaf 

that  closely  stops  her  ear  ; 

i>  That  .so  she  may  not  hear  the  voice 
of  one  that  charm  her  would, 
No,  not  though  he  most  cunning  were, 
.  and  charm  most  wisely  could. 
Q  Their  teeth,  O  God,  within  their  mouth 
hrfiak  thou  in  pieces  email : 


PSALM  LIX.  154 

The  great  teeth  break  thou  out,  O  Lord, 
of  these  young  lions  all. 

7  Let  them  like  waters  melt  away, 

which  downward  still  do  flow  ■: 
In  pieces  cut  his  arrows  all, 
when  he  shall  bend  his  bow. 

8  Like  to  a  snail  that  melts  away, 

let  each  of  them  be  gone  : 
Like  woman's  birth  untimely,  that 
they  never  see  the  sun. 

9  He  shall  them  take  away  before 

your  pots  the  thorns  can  find, 
Both  living,  and  in  fury  great, 
as  with  a  stormy  wind. 

10  The  righteous,  when  he  vengeance  see9> 

he  shall  be  joyful  then  ; 
The  righteous  one  shall  wash  his  feet 
in  blood  of  wicked  men. 

11  So  men  shall  say,  the  righteous  man 

reward  shall  never  miss  ; 
And  verily  upon  the  earth 
a  God  to  judge  there  is. 

PSALM  LIX. 

To  the  chief  Musician  Ah-rASCHitn.  Mich?  am  of  Da- 
vid, when  Sa  UL  sent  and  they  watched  the  house  to  kill 
him. 

This  Psalm  was  penned  by  David,  when  Saul  sent 
messengers  to  watch  his  house  in  order  to  kill  him  ;  ! 
Sam.  xix.  In  it,  as  in  the  seven  immediate  preceding,  we 
have,  (i)  David's  bitter  complaints  of  his  enemies,  as 
wicked,  barbarous,  malicious,  and  atheistical ;  ver.  1— 
7.  (2)  His  predictory  prayers  that  God  would  expose 
these  enemies  to  contempt  and  derision ;  make  them 
standing  monuments  of  his  just  indignation ;  deal  with 


133 


PSALM  L1X. 


them  according  to  their  sins  ;  consume  them  in  his  wrath  \ 
and  even  render  their  sin  their  punishment ;  ver.  8,  10, 
15.  (3)  His  holy  resolutions  to  wait  upon  God,  till  his 
judgments  should  be  executed  upon  them,  and  then  to 
praise  him  for  his  favours  ;  ver.  9,   10,   16,   1 7. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  think  of  the  opposition  made  to 
David's  Lord,  and  of  the  unrelenting  vengeance  which 
hath  overtaken  his  enemies,  Jewish  and  heathen,  audi 
shall  overtake  his  antichiistian  and  other  opposers.  While 
his  honours  are  trampled  underfoot,  let  me  wait  on,  and 
trust  in  God,  that  at  last  I  may  join  in  the  hallelujahs 
of  his  people,  when  the  smoke  of  his  enemies  torment 
ascendeth  up  for  ever  and  ever. 

MY  God,  deliver  me  from  those 
that  are  mine  enemies  ; 
And  do  thou  me  defend  from  those 
that  up  against  me  rise. 
3  Do  thou  deliver  me  from  them 
that  work  iniquity  ; 
And  give  me  safety  from  the  meit 
of  bloody  cruelty. 

3  For,  lo,  they  for  my  soul  lay  wait : 

the  mighty  do  combine 
Against  me,  Lord  ;  not  for  my  fault, 
nor  any  sin  of  mine. 

4  They  run,  and  without  fault  in  me, 

themselves  do  ready  make  : 
Awake  to  meet  me  with  thy  help, 
and  do  thou  notice  take. 

5  Awake  therefore,  Lord  God  of  hosts, 

thou  God  of  Israel, 
To  visit  heathen  all :  spare  none 
that  wickedly  rebel, 

6  At  evening  they  go  to  and  fro  ; 

they  make  great  noise  and  sound, 


PSALM   LIX.  153 

Like  to  a  dog,  and  often  walk 
about  the  city  round. 

7  Behold,  they  belch  out  with  their  mouth, 

and  in  their  lips  are  swords  ; 
For  they  do  say  thus,  who  is  he 
that  now  doth  hear  our  words  ? 

8  But  thou,  O  Lord,  shalt  laugh  at  them, 

and  all  the  heathen  mock. 

9  While  he's  in  pow'r  I'll  wait  on  thee  : 

for  God  is  my  high  rock. 

10  He  of  my  mercy  that  is  God 

betimes  shall  me  prevent : 
Upon  mine  en'mies  God  shall  let 
mo  see  mine  heart's  content. 

1 1  Them  slay  not,  lest  my  folk  forget ; 

but  scatter  them  abroad 
By  thy  strong  pow'r ;  and  bring  them  down, 
O  thou  our  shield,  and  God. 

i%  For  their  mouth's  sin,  and  for  the  word* 
that  from  their  lips  do  fly. 
Let  them  be  taken  in  their  pride  ; 
because  they  curse  and  lie. 

13  In  wrath  consume  them,  them  consume, 

that  so  they  may  not  be  : 
And  that  in  Jacob  God  doth  rule, 
to  the  earth's  ends  let  them  sec. 

14  At  ev'ning  let  thou  them  return, 

making  great  noise  and  sound, 
Like  to  a  dog,  and  often  walk 

about  the  city  round. 
io  And  let  them  wander  up  and  down 

in  seeking  food  to  eat ; 
And  let  them  grudge  when  they  shall  not 

be  satisfy'd  with  meat, 


154  PSALM  LX. 

16  But  of  thy  pow'r  I'll  sing  aloud, 
at  morn  thy  mercy  praise  : 
For  thou  to  me  my  refuge  wast, 
and  tow'r  in  troublous  days. 
i7  0  God,  thou  art  my  strength,  I  will 
sing  praises  unto  thee  ; 
For  God  is  my  defence,  a  God 
of  mercy  unto  me. 

PSALM  LX. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  upon  Shushan-eduTh.    Mich-  ' 
<Tam  of  David,  to  teach  ;   when  he  strove  with  Aram- 
xaharaim,  and  with   Aram-zobaii,  whin   Jo  ah  re- 
turned and  smote   of  Edom,  in  the  valley  of  Sal*) 
twelve  thousand. 

This  Psalm  was  penned  by  David,  during  his  wars 
with  the  Syrians  ana  Edomites  ;  2  Sam.  viii.  Here  (1) 
He  bewails  the  tokens  of  God's  dispteasure  with  Israel, 
in  the  breaking  and  disjointing  of  the  nation,  under  Saul 
and  Ishbosheth  ver.  1 — 3.  (2)  In  thankful  contemplation 
of  the  late  revival  he  had  given  to  their  affairs  by  his 
own  accession  to  the  throne,  and  victories  over  the  Philis- 
tines, Moabites,  8cc.  He  beseeches  God  to  grant  them 
victory  over,  and  rest  from  all  their  other  enemies  ;  ver.  4, 
5.  (3)  In  the  confident  expectation  of  God's  fulfilment  of 
his  promises,  and  along  with  importunate  supplication  he 
expresseth  his  triumphant  hopes,  that  God  would  quick- 
ly subdue  every  enemy,  the  fortined  cities  of  Edom  not 
excepted;  ver.  6 — 12. 

In  all  my  distressed  cases,  let  me  rejoice  in  the  banner 
the  ensign  given  and  displayed  to  the  nations,  and  in 
the  faith  of  God's  promise  let  me  firmly  expect  victory 
over  every  spiritual  foe,  and  rejoice  in  hope  of  the  glory 
of  God,  the  full  enjoyment  of  the  Canaan  that  is  ab ova. 

OLORD,  thou  hast  rejected  us, 
and  scatter  d  us  abroad  ; 
^Thou  justly  hast  displeased  been  ; 
return  to  us,  0  God. 


PSALM  LX.  156 

%  The^earth  to  tremble  thou  bast  made  : 
therein  didst  breaches  make  : 
Do  thou  thereof  the  breaches  heal, 
because  the  land  doth  shake. 
&  Unto  thy  people  thou  hard  things 
hast  shew'd,  and  on  them  sent ; 
And  thou  hast  caused  us  to  drink 
wine  of  astonishment. 

4  And  yet  a  banner- thou  hast  giv'n 

to  them  who  thee  do  fear  ; 
That  it  by  them  because  of  truth, 
displayed  may  appear. 

5  That  thy  beloved  people  may 

delivered  be  from  thrall ; 
Save  with  the  pow'r  of  thy  right  hand, 
and  hear  me  when  I  call. 

6  God  in  his  holiness  hath  spoke  ; 

herein  I  will  take  pleasure  : 
Shechem  I  will  divide,  and  forth 
will  Succoth's  valley  measure. 

7  Gilead  I  claim  as  mine  by  right ; 

Manasseh  mine  shall  be  : 
Ephra'm  is  of  mine  head  the  strength  ; 

Judah  gives- laws  for  me. 
&  Moab's  my  washing-pot,  my  shoe 

I'll  over  Edom  throw  : 
And  over  Palestina's  land 

I  will  in  triumph  go. 

9  O  who  is  he  will  bring  me  to 

the  city  fortify'd  ? 
O  who  is  he  that  to  the  land 
of  Edom  will  me  guide  ? 

10  O  God,  which  hadest  us  cast  off, 

this  thing  wilt  thou  not  do  ? 


155  PSALM  LXI. 

Ev'n  thou,  0  God,  which  didest  not 
forth  with  our  armies  go. 

1 1  Help  us  from  trouhle  ;  for  the  help 

is  vain  which  man  supplies. 
IS  Through  God  we'll  do  great  acts ;  he  shall 

tread  down  our  enemies. 

PSALM  LXI. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  upon  JVeginoTn.     A  Psalm  of 
David. 

Here  ( 1 )  David,  in  commemorating  what  the  Lord  had 
formerly  done  to  him,  and  in  the  faith  of  what  he  had 
promised,  cries  to  God  for  comfort  and  protection,  a- 
midst  great  troubles  ;  ver.  I — 4.  (2)  In  the  view  of  what 
God  had  and  would  for  ever  do  for  him,  he  supplicates 
necessary  mercies,  and  resolves  on  everlasting  praise 
and  thanksgiving  to  God  as  his  bound  duty  ;  ver.  5 — 8. 

So  may  all  providences,  distressful  or  smiling,  lead  my 
soul  to  a  thankful  panting  for  God,  as  my  all  and  in 

ALL. 


O 

S  Fr 


God  give  ear  unto  my  cry  ; 
unto  my  pray'r  attend  : 
%  From  tlv*  utmost  corner  of  the  land 
my  cry  to  thee  I'll  send, 
What  time  my  heart  is  overwhelmed, 

and  in  perplexity : 
Do  thou  me  lead  unto  the  rock 
that  higher  is  than  I. 

3  For  thou  hast  for  my  refuge  been 

a  shelter  by  thy  pow'r ; 
And,  for  defence  against  my  foes, 

thou  hast  been  a  strong  tow*?r, 
4>  Within  thy  tabernacle  I 

for  ever  will  abide  : 


PSALM  LXII.  W 

And  under  covert  of  thy  wings, 
with  confidence  me  hide. 

5  For  thou  the  vows  that  I  did  make,. 

O  Lord  my  God,  didst  hear; 
Thou  hast  giv'u  me  the  heritage 
of  those  thy  name  that  fear. 

6  A  life  prolonged  for  many  days 

thou  to  the  king  shalt  give ; 
Like  many  generations  be 
the  years  which  he  shall  live. 

7  He  in  God's  presence  his  abode 

for  evermore  .shall  have : 
O  do  thou  truth  and  mercy  both 
prepare,  that  may  him  save. 

8  And  so  will  I  perpetually 

sing  praise  unto  thy  name ; 
That,  having  made  my  vows,  I  may 
each  day  perform  the  same. 

PSALM   LXII. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  to  Jedu'han.  A  Psalm  of  David, 

In  this  Psalm,  (1)  David  solemnly  avows  his  manifold 
relations  to  God  ;  his  composed  dtpendence  on,  fixed 
trust  in,  and  quiet  waiting  foi  God  ;  and  his  hopes  of  the 
ruin  of  his  enemies ;  ver.  1 — 7.  (2)  He  earnestly  eix- 
courageth  others  to  trust  in,  and  call  on  God,  who  is  in- 
finite in  power,  mercy,  and  justice;  and  to  beware  of 
trusting  in  men,  or  in  outward  riches  or  honours,  which 
are  deceitful,  and  unsubstantial ;  ver.  8 — 12. 

While  I  sing,  go  thou,  my  soul,  and  do  likewise*  Be 
weaned  from  all  dependence  on  creatures  ;  but  cleave  to, 
and  depend  on  this  ail-sufficient  Jehovah,  as  answera- 
ble to  all  thy  needs,  all  thy  desires,  all  thy  enjoying 
powers,  for  time  and  for  eternity.  Then,  O  how  fixed 
in  safetv  1  and  how  filled  with  the  consolations  of  Christ  I 

9 


W|H  PSALM   LXII. 

I^^TY  soul  with  expectation 
i.Y  JL  depends  on  God  indeed  : 
My  strength  and  my  salvation  doth 
from  him  alone  proceed. 

2  He  only  my  salvation  is, 

and  my  strong  rock  is  he  ; 
He  ouly  is  my  sure  defence  : 
much  mov'd  I  shall  not  he. 

3  How  long  will  ye  against  a  man 

plot  mischief  ?  ye  shall  all 

Ee  slain  ;  ye  as  a  tott'ring  fence 

shall  be,  and  bowing  wall. 

4  They  only  plot  to  cast  him  down 

from  his  excellency ; 
They  joy  in  lies  ;  with  mouth  they  bless, 
but  they  curse  inwardly. 

5  My  soul,  wait  thou  with  patience 

upon  thy  God  alone  : 
On  him  dependeth  all  my  hope 
and  expectation. 

6  He  only  my  salvation  is, 

and  my  strong  rock  is  he  ; 
He  only  is  my  sure  defence  : 
I  shall  not  moved  be. 

7  In  God  my  glory  placed  is, 

and  my  salvation  sure  : 
In  God  the  rock  is  of  my  strength, 
my  refuge  most  secure. 

8  Ye  people  place  your  confidence 

in  him  continually ; 
Before  him  pour  ye  out  your  heart : 
God  is  our  refuge  high. 

9  Surely  mean  men  are  vanity, 

and  great  men  are  a  lie  : 


PSALM   LXIII.  159 

In  balance  laid,  they  wholly  are 
more  light  than  vanity. 

10  Trust  ye  not  in  oppression; 

in  robb'ry  be  not  vain  : 
On  wealth  set  not  your  hearts,  when  as 
increased  is  your  gain. 

11  God  hath  it  spoken  once  to  me, 

yea  this  I  heard  again, 
That  power  to  almighty  God 

alone  doth  appertain. 
1%  Yea,  mercy  also  unto  thee 

belongs,  0  Lord,  alone  : 
For  thou,  according  to  his  work, 

rewardest  ev'ry  one. 

PSALM  LXIII. 

A  Psalm  of  Da  vid,  when  he  was  in  the  wilderness  of 
Judak. 

This  Psalm  was  penned  by  David,  while  he  hid  himself 
from  the  fury  of  Saul,  in  the  wilderness  of  Judah  ;  1 
Sam.  xxii.  5, — or  xxiii.  14,  24,  25 — or  xxiv.  1 — Or 
when  he  fled  from  Absalom,  2  Sam.  xv.  xvi.  We  have, 
(l)  His  strong  faith  working  in  ardent  desires  after  the 
most  familiar  fellowship  with  God  in  public  ordinances  ; 
ver.  1,  2.  (2)  His  superlative  estimation  of  God,  issu- 
ing in  hearty  resolutions  to  be  for  ever  employed  in  his 
praise  ;  ver.  3,  4.  (3)  His  heart-ravishing  satisfaction  in 
God,  amidst  secret  and  fixed  meditation  on  his  excellen- 
cies and  love  ;  ver.  5,  6.  (4)  His  joyful  dependence  oh 
God,  as  his  Saviour  and  portion  ;  ver.  7,  8.  (5)  His  ho- 
ly triumph  in  God,  as  his  preserver,  and  the  destroyer  of 
his  enemies  ;  ver.  9 — 1 1. 

While  I  sing  these  high  praises  of  God,  let  my  soul  be 
strong  in  the  faith,  giving  glory  to  God  ;  embracing  the 
promise  of  himself,  and  calling  all  the  fulness  of  the 
Godhead  my  own.  Let  me  be  all  in  raptures  of  divine 
love,  and  holy  delight ;  let  no  guile,  no  corruption,  no 
carnal  care,  enervate  or  damp  my  inward  ppwers.     But 


reo  PSALM  LXIII. 

let  all  be  opened,  be  wide  stretched,  to  grasp  my  infinite 
All,  the  great  I  am. 

~W    OBD,  thee  my  God,  I'll  early  seek  5 
JLi  niy  soul  doth  thirst  for  thee  : 
My  flesh  longs  in  a  dry  parch' d  land, 

wherein  no  waters  be  : 
2  That  I  thy  power  may  behold, 

and  brightness  of  thy  face, 
As  I  have  seen  thee  heretofore, 

within  thy  holy  place. 
8  Since  better  is  thy  love  than  life, 

my  lips  thee  praise  shall  give. 

I  I  in  thy  name  will  lift  my  hands, 

and  bless  thee  while  I  live. 
Si  Kv'n  as  with  marrow  and  with  fat, 
my  soul  shall  filled  be  5 
Then  shall  my  mouth  with  joyful  lips 
sing  praises  unto  thee. 
(3  When  I  do  thee  upon  my  bed 
remember  with  delight, 
And  when  on  thee  I  meditate 
in  watches  of  the  night. 

7  lu  shadow  of  thy  wings  I'll  joy ; 

for  thou  mine  help  hast  been. 

8  My  soul  thee  follows  hard ;  and  me 

thy  right  hand  doth  sustain. 

9  Who  seek  my  soul  to  spill,   shall  sink 

down  to  earth's  lowest  room. 
iO  They  by  the  sword  shall  be  cut  off, 
and  foxes  prey  become. 

II  Yet  shall  the  king  in  God  rejoice, 

and  each  one  siorv  shall 
That  swear  by  him :  but  stopt  shall  bV 
the  mouth  of  liars  alL 


(      161      ) 

PSALM  LXIV- 

To  the  chief  Musician.    A  Psalm  of  Da  vlD. 

This  Psalm  contains,  (1)  David's  earnest  supplications 
for  preservation  from  his  enemies,  who  were  so  spiteful 
in  their  calumnious  reproaches  ;  so  close  and  subtile  in 
their  malicious  plots  ;  and  so  industrious  and  active,  in 
executing  their  cruel  projects  ;  ver.  1 — 6.  (2)  His  pre- 
dictions, that  God,  by  just  vengeance,  would  quickly 
render  these  enemies  a  terror  to  themselves  and  others, 
and  an  occasion  of  holy  joy  and  confidence  to  the  saints  ; 
ver.  7 — 10. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  commit  my  spiritual  enemies  in- 
to the  hand  of  God,  who  is  able  to  destroy  them,  and 
will  quickly,  to  my  everlasting  comfort,  tread  them  all 
under  my  feet. 

TTTHEN"  I  to  thee  my  prayer  make> 
ff      Lord  to  my  voice  give  ear  ; 
My  life  save  from  the  enemy, 
of  whom  I  stand  in  fear. 
%  Me  from  their  secret  council  hide 
who  do  live  wickedly  ; 
From  insurrection  of  those  men 
that  work  iniquity. 

3  Who  do  their  tongues  with  malice  whet, 

and  make  them  cut  like  swords  ; 
In  whose  bent  bows  are  arrows  set, 
ev'n  sharp  and  bitter  words. 

4  That  they  may  at  the  perfect  man 

in  secret  aim  their  shot  : 
Yea  suddenly  they  dare  at  him 
to  shoot,  and  fear  it  not. 

5  In  ill  encourage  they  themselves  i 

and  their  snares  close  do  lay  ; 
Together  conference  they  have  ; 
who  shall  them  see  they  say. 
O  o 


•63  PSALM   LXVf 

6  They  have  searched  out  iniquities, 

a  perfect  search  they  keep  : 
Of  each  of  them  the  inward  though^ 
and  very  heart  is  deep. 

7  G-od  shall  an  arrow  shoot  at  them, 

and  wound  them  suddenly. 

8  So  their  own  tongue  shall  them  confound  $ 

all  who  them  see  shall  fly, 

9  And  on  all  men  a  fear  shall  fall, 

God's  works  they  shall  declare  \ 
For  they  shall  wisely  notice  take 
what  these  his  doing  are. 

10  In  God  the  righteous  shall  rejoice, 

and  trust  upon  his  might ; 
fea,  they  shall  greatly  glory  all, 
in  heart  that  are  upright. 

PSALM  LXV. 

fFb  the  chief  Musician.  A  Psalm  or  song  of  Davidi 

Here  we  are  directed  to  praise  God,  (1)  For  his  kind- 
ness manifested  in  his  kingdom  of  grace — in  hearing 
prayers  ;  in  pardoning  iniquities ;  in  satisfying  the  souls 
of  his  people  with  his  blessings  ;  and  in  protecting  and 
supporting  them  in  every  exigence  ;  ver.  1 — 5.  (2)  For 
his  kindness  in  the  kingdom  of  providence — in  fixing  the 
mountains  ;  in  calming  the  seas  ;  in  preserving  the  reg- 
ul?  succession  of  day  and  night ;  and  in  rendering  the 
fields  fruitful,  and  the  flock*  numerous  and  happy  ;  ver. 
6—13. 

While  I  sing,  let  praise  wait,  in  my  soul,  for  the 
Lord  ;  and  let  me  pour  out  my  heart  before  him.  Under 
a  deep  sense  of  guilt  and  pollution,  let  me  believe  his 
unbounded  forgiveness,  and  sanctifying  influence.  Let 
me  come  even  to  his  seat,  and  enjoy  ravishing  fellowship 
with  him.  Let  all  my  confidence  be  fixed  on  him  ;  and, 
even  in  the  blessings  of  providence,  let  me  discern  tjje 
wXc,eeding  riches  of.  his  grace. 


•  -II 

PSALM    LXV.  163- 

PRAISE  waits  for  thee  in  Zion,  Lord  :- 
to  thee  vows  paid  shall  be. 
%  O  thou  that  hearer  art  of  pray'r, 
all  flesh  shall  come  to  thee* 

3  Iniquities,  I  must  confess, 

prevail  against  me  do  : 
But  as  for  our  transgressions, 
them  purge  away  shalt  thou. 

4  Blest  is  the  man  whom  thou  dost  choose, 

and  mak'st  approach  to  thee  : 
That  he  within  thy  courts,  O  Lord, 

may  still  a  dweller  be  : 
We  surely  shall  be  satisfy'd 

with  thy  abundant  grace  ; 
And  with  the  goodness  of  thy  house, 

ev'n  of  thy  holy  place. 

5  O  Grod  of  our  salvation, 

thou,  in  thy  righteousness, 
By  fearful  works  unto  our  prayers 

thine  answer  dost  express  : 
Therefore  the  ends  of  all  the  earth, 

and  those  afar  that  be 
Upon  the  sea,  their  confidence, 

O  Lord  will  place  in  thee, 

6  Who,  being  girt  with  pow?r,  sets  fast, 

by  his  great  strength,   the  hills. 

7  Who  noise  of  seas,  noise  of  their  waves, 

and  people's  tumult,  stills. 

8  Those  in  the  utmost  parts  that  dwell 

are  at  thy  signs  afraid  : 
Th?  out-goings  of  the  morn  and  ev*n 
by  thee  are  joyful  made. 

9  The  earth  thou  visit'st,  watering  it  f 

thou  niak'st  it  rich  to  grow 


164  PSALM    LXVI. 

With  God's  fall  flood  ;  thou  corn  prepar^st, 
when  thou  provid'st  it  so. 

10  Her  ridg's  thou  wat'rest  plenteously, 

her  furrows  settle st  : 
With  show'rs  thou  dost  her  mollify, 
her  spring  by  thee  is  blest. 

1 1  So  thou  the  year  most  lily  rally 
dost  with  thy  goodness  crown 

And  all  thy  paths  abundantly 
on  us  drop  fatness  down. 

12  They  drop  upon  the  pastures  wide, 
that  do  in  desarts  lie  : 

The  little  hills  on  ev'ry  side 
rejoice  right  pleasantly. 

13  With  flocks  the  pastures  clothed  be, 
the  vales  with  corn  are  clad ; 

And  now  they  shout  and  sing  to  thee, 
for  thou  hast  made  them  glad. 

PSALM  LXVI. 

To  the  chief  Musician.  A  Psalm  or  Song. 

In  this  Psalm  of  thanksgiving,  in  which  the  fate  of  Is- 
rael is  to  be  considered  as  typical  of  that  of  the  gospel  - 
church  and  people  of  God,  we  have,  (1)  David,  as  the 
messenger  of  God,  calling  all  the  nations  of  mankind  to 
praise  God  for  the  manifestation  of  his  sovereign  domin- 
ion in  his  works,  so  wonderful  in  themselves,  terrible 
to  his  enemies,  comfortable  to  his  people,  and  command- 
ing and  awful  to  all  men  ;  ver.  1 — 7.  And  for  trying  his 
people  with  afflictions,  for  supporting  under  them,  pro- 
tecting amidst  them,  and  delivering  from  them  at  last ; 
ver.  8 — 12.  (2)  David,  as  the  servant  of  God,  exem- 
plifying his  own  exhortations  in  honouring  God,  by  costly 
oblations,  and  by  thankful  declarations  of  what  God  had 
done  for  his  soul,  particularly  in  answer  to  his  prayers ; 
ver.  13—20. 


PSALM   LXVI.  166 

ALL  lands  to  God,  in  joyful  sounds, 
aloft  your  voices  raise. 

2  Sing  forth  the  honour  of  his  name, 

and  glorious  make  his  praise. 

3  Say  unto  God,  how  terrible 

in  all  thy  works  art  thou  ? 
Through  thy  great  pow'r  thy  foes  to  thee 
shall  be  constraint  to  bo  v . 

4  All  on  the  earth  shall  worship  thee, 

they  shall  thy  praise  proclaim 
In  songs  :  they  shall  sing  cheerfully 

unto  thy  holy  name. 
d  Come,  and  the  works  that  God  hath  wrought 

with  admiration  see  : 
Iu?s  working  to  the  sons  of  men, 

most  terrible  is  lie. 

6  Into  dry  land  the  sea  he  turned, 

and  they  a  passage  had ; 
Ev'n  marching  through  the  flood  on  foo($ 
there  we  in  him  were  glad; 

7  He  ruleth  ever  by  his  pow*r, 

his  eyes  the  nations  see  : 
O  let  not  the  rebellious  ones 
lift  up  themselves  on  high. 

8  Ye  people,  bless  our  God  :  aloud 

the  voice  speak  of  his  praise  : 

9  Our  soul  in  life  who  safe  preserves, 

our  foot  from  sliding  stays. 

10  For  thou  didst  prove  and  try  us,  Lord? 

as  men  do  silver  try  : 
I  1  Brought' st  us  into  the  net,  and  inad'st 

bands  on  our  loins  to  lie. 
13  Thou  hast  caus'd  men  ride  o'er  our  heads$ 

and  though  that  we  did  pass 


166  PSALM    LXVIL 

Through  fire  and  water,  yet  thou  brought'st 
us  to  a  wealthy  place. 

13  I'll  bring  burnt  offerings  to  thy  house, 

to  thee  my  vows  I'll  pay, 

14  Which  my  lips  utter  d,  my  mouth  spake, 

when  trouble  on  me  lay* 

15  Burnt-sacrifices  of  fat  rams, 

with  incense,  I  will  bring  : 
Of  bullocks  and  of  goats  1  will 
present  an  offering. 

16  All  that  fear  God,  come  here,  I'll  tell 

what  he  did  for  my  soul. 

17  I  with  my  mouth  unto  him  cry'd, 

my  tongue  did  him  extol. 

18  If  in  my  heart  I  sin  regard, 

the  Lord  me  will  not  hear  ; 

19  But  surely  God  me  heard,  and  to 

my  prayers  voice  gave  ear. 

20  0  let  the  Lord,  our  gracious  God, 

for  ever  blessed  be  : 
Who  turned  not  my  prayrr  from  him, 
nor  yet  his  grace  from  me. 

PSALM  LXVIL 

To  the  chief  Musician,  on  J\egjso,Th.  A  Psalm  or  Song, 
Here  we  have,  (I)-  David's  prayer  for  the  church  of 
Israel,  ver.  1 .  (2)  His  supplication  for  the  comforting, 
and  praise  producing  spread  of  the  gospel  among  the 
Gentiles ;  ver.  2 — 5.  (3)  His  believing  prospect  of  the 
divine  blessings,  and  true  piety,  which  should  attend  the 
same  ;  ver.  6,  7. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  request  the  salvation  of  Israel. 
Let  me  supplicate  the  gathering  of  the  nations  to  Shi- 
loh.  Let  me  praise  the  Lord,  that  already  this  great 
work  is  begun  ;  and  that  the  Lord,  who  is  mighty,  shall 
finish  it  in  his  time. 


PSALM    LXVII.  1ST 

LORD,  bless  and  pity  us, 
shine  on  us  with  thy  face  : 

2  That  th9  earth  thy  way,  and  nations  all- 

may  know  thy  saving  grace. 

3  Let  people  praise  thee,  Lord, 

Let  people  all  thee  praise. 

4  O  let  the  nations  be  glad, 

in  songs  their  voices  raise. 

Thou'lt  justly  people  judge, 
on  earth  rule  nations  all. 

5  Let  people  praise  thee,  Lord,  let  them 

praise  thee,  both  great  and  small. 

6  The  earth  her  fruit  shall  yield, 

our  God  shall  blessing  send. 

7  Grod  shall  us  bless,  men  shall  him  fear, 

unto  earth's  utmost  end. 

SECOND  VERSION. 

GRD,  unto  us  be  merciful, 
do  thou  us  also  bless  : 
And  graciously  cause  shine  on  us 
the  brightness  of  thv  face. 

2  That  so  thy  way  upon  the  earth, 

to  all  men  may  be  known  ; 
Also  among  the  nations  all 
thy  saving  health  be  shown, 

3  O  let  the  people  praise  thee,  Lord, 

let  people  all  thee  praise. 

4  O  let  the  nations  be  glad, 

and  sing  for  joy  always  : 
For  rightly  thou  shalt  people  judge, 
and  nations  rule  on  earth. 
b  Let  people  praise  thee,  Lord,  let  all 
the  folk  praise  thee  with  mirtlv 


158 


PSALM   LXVIII. 


Then  shall  the  earth  yield  her  increase^ 
God,  our  God,  bless  us  shall. 

God  shall  us  bless,  and  of  the  earth 
the  ends  shall  fear  him  all. 

PSALM  LXVIII. 


To  the  chief  Musician.  A   Psalm  or  Sovg  of  Da  vid. 

Perhaps  this  Psalm  was  coir. posed  on  the  same  occasion 
as  the  24th  and  47th,  when  David  brought  up  the  ark 
of  God  to  that  tabernacle,  which  he  had  pitched  for  it  in 
Zion  ;  2  Sam.  vi.  We  have  in  it,  (1)  Fervent  supplica- 
tions that  God  would  scatter  and  defeat  the  projects  of 
his  enemies  ;  ver.  1,  2.  (2)  High  praises  to  him  for  his 
infinite  greatness  and  grace  ;  his  righteous  relieving  of 
the  afflicted  and  oppressed  ;  his  directing  of  Israel  in  the 
Arabian  desert ;  his'  manifesting  of  his  glory  at  Sinai ; 
his  comfoi  table  providing  for  his  people  in  the  wilderness, 
and  in  Canaan,  ver.  3—10.  And  for  the  easy  conquest  of 
their  Canaanitish  enemies  ;  his  fixing  his  temple  on  mount 
Zion  ;  for  the  ascension  of  Christ  to  glory,  to  receive 
gifts  for  men  ;  and  for  the  spread  of  the  gospel  among 
Jews  and  Gentiles,  by  means  of  the  apostles  ;  while  ihe 
obstinate  Jews  are  severely  punished  ;  ver.  1 1—32.  and, 
in  fine,  for  his  superior  dominion  ;  his  awful  majesty ; 
his  mighty  power  ;  for  the  glory  of  his  sanctuary,  and 
the  grace  he  bestows  upon  his  people ;  ver.  33 — 25. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  behold,  let  me  admire,  what 
God  is,  and  hath  done  for,  and  to  my  soul,  and  to  the 
church  of  God,  of  which  I  am  a  member.  Let  me  be- 
hold what  God  hath  done,  in  instances  unnumbered,  in 
prosecution  of  the  covenant  he  made  with  his  eternal  Son. 

LET  GOD  arise,  and  scattered 
let  all  his  en'mies  be  : 
And  let  all  those  that  do  him  hate 
before  his  presence  flee. 
%  As  smoke  is  diiv'n,  so  drive  thou  them ; 
as  fire  melts  wax  away, 


PSALM  LXVIII. 


Before  God's  face  let  wicked  men 
so  perish  and  decay.     / 

3  But  let  the  righteous  be  glad, 

let  them  before  God's  sight 
Be  very  joyful ;  yea,  let  them 
rejoice  with  all  their  might. 

4  To  God  sing,  to  his  name  sing  praise  : 

extol  him  with  your  voice, 
That  rides  on  heav'n  by  his  name  JAM, 
before  his  face  rejoice. 

5  Because  the  Lord  a  father  is 

unto  the  fatherless  : 
God  is  the  widow's  judge  within 
his  place  of  holiness. 

6  God  doth  the  solitary  set 

in  families  :  and  from  bands 
The  chain'd  doth  free  ;  but  rebels  do 
inhabit  parched  lands. 

7  O  God,  what  time  thou  didst  go  forth 

before  thy  people's  face  ; 
And  when  through  the  great  wilderness 
thy  glorious  marching  was  ; 

8  Then  at  God's  presence  shook  the  earth, 

then  drops  from  heaven  fell  ; 
This  Sinai  shook  before  the  Lord, 
the  God  of  Israel. 

9  0  God,  thou  to  thine  heritage 

didst  send  a  plenteous  rain  ; 
Whereby  thou,  when  it  weary  was, 
didst  it  refresh  again. 

10  Thy  congregation  then  did  make 

their  habitation  there  : 
Of  thine  own  goodness  for  the  poor. 
O  God,  thou  didst  prepare 


170  PSALM  LXVI1L 

11  The  Lord  himself  did  give  the  word, 

the  word  abroad  did  spread  ; 
*    Great  was  the  company  of  them 

the  same  who  published. 
i.%  Kings  of  great  armies  foiled  were, 

and  forced  to  flee  away  ; 
And  women,  who  reniain'd  at  home, 

did  distribute  the  prey. 

13  Though  ye  have  lain  among  the  pots, 

like  doves  ye  shall  appear, 
Whose  wings  with  silver,  and  with  gold 
whose  feathers  cover'd  are. 

14  When  there  the  Almighty  scattered  kings, 

like  Salmon's  snow  'twas  white. 

15  God's  hill  is  like  to  Bashan  hill, 

like  Bashan  hill  for  height. 

16  Why  do  ye  leap,  ye  mountains  high  ? 

this  is  the  hill  where  God 
Desires  to  dwell ;  yea,  God  in  it 

for  aye  will  make  abode. 
i?  God's  chariots  twenty  thousand  are, 

thousands  of  angels  strong  ; 
In's  holy  place  God  is,  as  in 

mount  Sinai,  them  among. 

18  Thou  hast,  O  Lord,  most  glorious 

ascended  up  on  high  ; 
And,  in  triumph  victorious,  led 

captive  captivity  : 
Thou  hast  received  gifts  for  men, 

for  such  as  did  rebel ; 
Yea,  ev'n  for  them  that  God  the  Lord 

in  midst  of  them  misrht  dwell. 
49  Blest  be  the  Lord,  who  is  to  us 

of  our  salvation  God. 


PSALM   LXVUI, 

Who  daily  with  his  benefits 

us  plenteously  doth  load. 

20  He  of  salvation  is  the  God, 

who  is  our  God  most  strong ; 
And  unto  God  the  Lord  from  death 
the  issues  do  belong. 
31  But  surely  God  shall  wound  the  head 
of  those  that  are  his  foes  ; 
The  hairy  scalp  of  him  thai  still 
on  in  his  trespass  goes. 
23  God  said,  my  people  I  will  bring 
again  from  Bashan  hill ; 
Yea,  from  the  sea's  devouring  depths 
them  bring  again  I  will ; 

83  That  in  the  blood  of  enemies 
thy  foot  imbru'd  may  be ; 
And  of  thy  dogs  dipt  in  the  same 
the  tongues  thou  inayest  see. 
24?  Thy  goings  they  have  seen,  O  God, 
the  steps  of  majesty, 
Of  my  God,  and  my  mighty  King, 
within  the  sanctuary. 

2j  Before  went  singers,  players  next 
on  instruments  took  way  ; 
And  them  among  the  damsels  were 
that  did  on  timbrels  play. 
35  Within  the  congregations 

bless  God  with  one  accord  ; 

From  Israel's  fountain  do  ye  bless 

and  praise  the  mighty  Lord. 

27  With  their  prince  little  Benjamin, 

princes  and  counsel  there 

t)f  Judah  were,  there  Zebulon's 

and  Napht'li's  princes  v/ere. 


PSALM    LXVIII. 

28  Thy  God  commands  thy  strength  :  make 

what  thou  wrought'st  for  us,  Lord,  [strong 

29  For  thy  house  at  Jerusalem, 

kings  shall  thee  gifts  afford. 

30  The  spearmen's  host,  the  multitude 

of  bulls,  which  fiercely  look, 
Those  calves  which  people  hath  forth  sent, 

O  Lord  our  God,  rebuke, 
Till  ev'ry  one  submit  himself, 

and  silver  pieces  bring  : 
The  people  that  delight  in  war 

disperse,  0  God  and  King. 

Si  Those  that  be  princes  great,  shall  then 
come  out  of  Egypt  lands, 
And  Ethiopia  to  God 

shall  soon  stretch  out  her  hands. 

32  O  all  ye  kingdoms  of  the  earth, 

sing  praises  to  this  King, 
For  he  is  Lord  that  ruleth  all, 
unto  him  praises  sing. 

33  To  him  that  rides  on  heav'ns  of  heav'ns) 

which  he  of  old  did  found  ; 
Lo,  he  sends  forth  his  voice,  a  voice 
in  might  that  doth  abound. 
34<  Strength  unto  God  do  ye  ascribe  ; 

for  his  excellency 

«/ 

Is  over  Israel,  his  strength 
is  in  the  clouds  most  high. 

35  Thou'rt  from  thy  temple  dreadful,  Lord, 
Israel's  own  God  is  he, 
Who  gives  his  people  strength  and  pow'r  : 
0  let  God  blessed  be. 


(    >-3   5 
PSALM  LXIX. 

To  the  ch^f  Musician  ufion  Shoshaxhim. 
David. 


A  Psah'n  of 


This  Psalm  is  much  like  the  22nd,  representing  at 
once  the  troubles  of  David  and  of  David's  Lord,  and  the 
glories  which  followed.  We  have  in  it,  (1)  Bitter  com- 
plaints of  long  and  sore  troubles  ;  of  the  malice  and 
multitude  of  enemies  ;  of  the  unkindness  of  friends  ;  of 
general  contempt ;  and  these  mingled  with  candid  ac- 
knowledgments of  guilt,  and  with  supplications  for  God's 
gracious  audience  and  merciful  deliverance  ;  ver.  1 — 13. 
(2)  Pleas  insisted  on,  in  these  supplications,  viz.  the 
mercy  and  truth  of  God  ;  the  Psalmist's  own  great  dis- 
tress ;  the  insolence  and  cruelty  of  his  enemies;  and  the 
unkindness  of  his  friends  ;  ver.  14 — 21.  (3)  Predictions 
of  the  ruin  of  David's,  and  especially  of  Christ's  Jewish 
enemies  ;  importing  that  their  sacrifices  and  their  com- 
mon food  should  be  cursed  to  them  ;  that  they  should  be 
plagued  with  judicial  blindness  and  wrathful  disquiet ; 
that  they  should  be  rendered  public_monuments  of  the  ven- 
geance of  God,  having  their  church  and  state  quite  un- 
hinged and  their  land  desolated  ;  and,  in  fine,  that  their 
ruin  should  be  increasing,  and  their  recovery  almost  im- 
possible ;  ver.  22 — 28.  (4)  Under  a  deep  sense  of  his 
poverty  and  distress,  David  and  his  divine  Son  celebrate 
the  high  praises  of  God,  and  call  others  to  praise  him 
for  the  deliverances  of  Israel  ;  but  chiefly  for  the  erection 
of  the  gospel  church,  and  for  the  certain,  though  still  fu- 
ture recalling  of  the  Jews  into  the  same  ;  ver.  29 — 36. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  behold  my  Redeemer,  charged 
in  law  with  my  sins,  and  bearing  the  punishment  thereof. 
Let  me  leam,  with  patience  to  run  the  race  of  holy  obe- 
dience and  of  necessary  trials  set  before  me,  looking  to 
Jesus  as  my  pattern,  and  as  the  author  and  finisher  of 
my  faith.  While  I  behold  the  tremendous  severity  of 
God's  judgments,  against  his  ancient  people,  for  reject- 
ing and  murdering  his  Son,  let  me  not  be  high  minded, 
j  but  fear.  Let  me  behold  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus, 
who,  tho*  he  was  rich,  yet  for  our  sakes  he  became  poor  ; 
that  we  through  his  poverty  might  be  made  ricl^  And 
P2 


>SALM    LXIX, 

:et  me  lie  a  living  anil  lively  nfember  of  that  church  which 
is  founded  in  his  blood,  and' blessed  in  him,  with  all  spir- 
itual blessings. 

SAVE  me,  0  God,  because  the  Hoods 
do  so  environ  me, 
That  ev'n  unto  my  very  soul 
come  in  the  waters  be. 

2  I  downward  in  deep  mire  do  sink, 

where  standing  there  is  none  : 
I  am  into  deep  waters  come, 
where  floods  have  o'er  me  gone. 

3  I  weary  with  my  crying  am, 

my  throat  is  also  dry'd  ; 
Mine  eyes  do  fail,  while  for  my  God 
I  waiting  do  abide. 

4  Those  men  that  do  without  a  cause 

bear  hatred  unto  me, 
Than  are  my  hairs  upon  my  head 
in  number  more  they  be  : 

They  that  would  me  destroy,  and  are 

mine  en'mies  wrongfully, 
Are  mighty  :  so  what  I  took  not 

to  render  forc'd  was  I. 

5  Lord,  thou  my  folly  know'st,  my  sins 

not  covered  are  from  thee. 

6  Let  none  that  wait  on  thee  be  ?sham?d. 

Lord  God  of  hosts,  for  me. 

O  Lord,  the  God  of  Israel, 

let  none  who  search  do  make, 
And  seek  thee,  be  at  any  time 

confounded  for  my  sake. 

7  For  I  have  borne  reproach  for  thee., 

my  face  is  hid  with  shame. 


.  PSALM   LXIX. 

8  To  brethren  strange,  to  mother's  sons 

an  alien  I  became. 

9  Because  the  zeal  did  eat  me  up 

which  to  thine  house  I  bear  ; 
And  the  reproaches  cast  at  thee 
upon  me  fallen  are. 

10  My  tears  and  fasts,  t'  afflict  my  soul, 

were  turned  to  my  shame. 

11  When  sackcloth  I  did  wear,  to  them 

a  proverb  I  became. 

12  The  men  that  in  the  gate  do  sit  . 

against  me  evil  spake  ; 
They  also  that  vile  drunkards  were 
of  me  their  song  did  make. 

13  But,  in  an  acceptable  time, 

my  pray'r,  Lord,  is  to  thee  ; 
In  truth  of  thy  salvation,  Lord? 
and  mercy  great,  hear  me. 

14  Deliver  me  out  of  the  mire, 

from  sinking  do  me  keep  ; 
Free  me  from  those  that  do  me  hate> 
and  from  the  waters  deep. 

15  Let  not  the  flood  on  me  prevail, 

whose  water  overflows ; 
Nor  deep  me  swallow,  nor  the  pit 
her  mouth  upon  me  close. 

16  Hear  me,  0  Lord,  because  thy  love 

and  kindness  is  most  good  : 
Turn  unto  me,  according  to 
thy  mercies'  multitude. 

17  Nor  from  thy  servant  hide  thy  face  ; 

I'm  troubled,  soon  attend. 

18  Draw  near  my  soul,  and  it  redeem  ; 

me  from  my  foes  defend. 


IT6  <  PSALM   LXIX. 

19  To  thee  is  my  reproach  well  known . 
my  shame  and  my  disgrace  : 
Those  that  mine  adversaries  be 
are  all  before  thy  face. 
SO  Reproach  hath  broke  my  heart,  Fm  full 
of  grief ;  I  look'd  for  one 
To  pity  me,  but  none  I  found  ; 
comforters  found  I  none. 

21  They  also  bitter  gall  did  give 

unto  me  for  my  meat ; 
They  gave  me  vinegar  to  drink, 
when  as  my  thirst  was  great. 

22  Before  them  let  their  table  prove 

a  snare  ;  and  do  thou  make 
Their  welfare  and  prosperity 
a  trap  themselves  to  take. 

23  Let  thou  their  eyes  so  -darken'd  be, 

that  sight  may  them  forsake  : 
And  let  their  loins  be  made  by  thee 
continually  to  shake. 

24  Thy  fury  pour  thou  out  on  them, 

and  indignation  ; 
And  let  thy  wrathful  anger,  Lord, 
fast  hold  take  them  upon. 

25  All  waste  and  desolate  let  be 

their  habitation  ; 
And  in  their  tabernacles  all 
inhabitants  be  none. 

26  Because  him  they  do  persecute, 

whom  thou  didst  smite  before  ; 
They  talk  unto  the  grief  of  those 
whom  thou  hast  wounded  sore. 
$7  Add  thou  iniquity  unto 

their  former  wickedness  : 


PSALM  LXIX.  177 


And  do  not  let  tliem  come  at  all 
into  thy  righteousness. 
28  Out  of  the  book  of  life  let  them 
be  raz'd  and  blotted  quite  ; 
Among  the  just  and  righteous 
let  not  their  names  be  writ. 
21)  But  now  become  exceedin .  poor 
and  sorrowful  am  I : 
By  thy  salvation,  O  my  God, 
let  me  be  set  on  high. 

30  The  name  of  God  I  with  a  song 

most  cheerfully  will  praise  ; 
And  I,  in  giving  thanks  to  him, 
his  name  shall  highly  raise. 

31  This  to  the  Lord  a  sacrifice 

more  gracious  shall  prove, 
Than  bullock,  ox,  or  any  beast 

that  hath  both  horn  and  hoof. 
33  When  this  the  humble  men  shall  see, 

it  joy  to  them  shall  give  : 
O  all  ye  that  do  seek  the  Lord, 

your  hearts  shall  ever  live. 

33  For  God  the  poor  hears,  and  will  not 

his  prisoners  contemn. 
31  Let  heav?n,  and  earth,  and  seas  him  praise, 

and  all  that  move  in  them. 
35  For  God  will  Judalrs  cities  build, 

and  he  will  Zion  save  ; 
That  they  may  dwell  therein,  and  it 

in  sure  possession  have. 

SQ  And  they  that  are  his  servants'  seed 
inherit  shall  the  same  ; 
So  shall  they  have  their  dwelling  there 
that  love  his  blessed  name, 


1 


(     178     ) 


PSALM  LXX. 

To  the  chief  musician.  A  Psalm  af  David^    to  bring  to 
rtmembra.net. 

This  Psalm  is  much  the  same^B  the  five  last  verses  of 
the  40th.  In  it  David  prays,  (1)  For  divine  help  to  him- 
self; ver.  1,  5.  (2)  For  shame  and  confusion  to  his  ene- 
mies ;  ver.  2,  3.  (3)  For  joy  and  comfort  to  his  friends  ; 
ver.  4. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  apply  it  to  my  own  troubled  cir- 
cumstances, and  so  in  a  believing  manner,  bring  them  and 
the  sinful  causes  thereof,  to  my  remembrance. 

LORD,  haste  me  to  deliver  ; 
with  speed.  Lord,  succour  me. 

2  Let  them  that  for  my  soul  do  seek, 

shani'd  and  confounded  be  ; 
Turn'd  back  be  they  and  sham'd, 
that  in  my  hurt  delight. 

3  Turn'd  back  be  they,  ha,  ha,  that  say, 

their  shaming  to  requite. 

4  In  thee  let  all  be  glad, 

and  joy  that  seek  for  thee  ; 
Let  them  who  thy  salvation  love* 
say  still,  God  praised  be. 

5  I  poor  and  needy  am  ; 

come,  Lord,  and  make  no  stay  : 
My  help  thou  and  deliverer  art, 
O  Lord,  make  no  delay. 

SECOND  VERSION. 

MAKE  haste,  O  God,  me  to  preserve  ; 
with  speed  Lord,   succour  me. 
%  Let  them  that  for  my  soul  do  seek 
sham* d  and  confounded  be  ; 


PSALM   LXXI.  17-© 

Let  them  be  turned  back  and  shanvd, 
that  in  my  hurt  delight. 

3  Turned  back  be  they,  ha,  ha,  that  say, 

their  shaming  to  requite. 

4  0  Lord,  iu  thee  let  all  be  glad, 

and  joy  that  seek  for  thee  : 
Let  them  who  thy  salvation  love 

say  still,  God  praised  be. 
6  But  I  both  poor  aud  needy  am  ; 

come,  Lord,  and  make  no  stay  : 
My  help  thou  and  deliverer  art,  ' 

O  Lord,  make  no  delay. 

.      PSALM    LXXI. 

This  Psalm  was  probably  penned  on  the  occasion  of 
Absalom's  rebellion,  as  Psalm  3d.  42d,  43d,  or  of  She- 
ba's  conspiracy  ;  2  Sam.  xx.  And  contains,  (1)  David's 
firm  confidence  in  God,  encouraged  by  manifold  experi- 
ences of  his  gracious  kindness  ;  ver.  1,  3,  5,  6,  7.  (2) 
His  fervent  prayers  that  he  might  never  be  ashamed,  but 
might  be  delivered  ;  might  find  rest  in  God  ;  might  have 
constant  matter  of  new  praises  and  thanksgiving  afforded 
him  ;  might  not  be  forsaken  of  God  in  his  old  age  ;  and 
might  have  his  numerous,  poweiful,  and  crafty  enemies, 
confounded  with  shame  and  perplexity  ;  ver.  1  — 13,  18. 
(3)  His  confident  and  joyful  expectations  of  God's  fur- 
ther kindness,  particularly  that  God  would  never  forsake, 
but  revive  him  ;  that  he  would  increase  his  honour  and 
comfort,  and  put  his  enemies  to  shame — Along  herewith, 
lie  resolves  with  admiring  rapture,  to  extol  God's  right- 
eousness and  salvation,  and  his  new-covenant  relation  to 
himself,  and  to  Israel;   ver.  14 — 24. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  be  affected    with  my   troubles. 
-Let  me  never  stagger  at  the  promise   through  unbelief, 
but  be  strong  in  the  faith,  giving  glory  to  God. 


O 


LORD,  my  hope  ?uid  confidence 
is  plac'd  in  thee  alone  : 


ISO  PSALM   LXXI. 

Then  let  thy  servant  never  be 

put  to  confusion. 
%  And  let  me,  in  thy  righteousnesss, 

from  thee  deliverance  have  ; 
Cause  me  escape,  incline  thine  ear 

unto  me,  and  me  save. 

3  Be  thou  my  dwelling-rock,  to  which 
I  ever  may  resort : 

Thou  gay'st  commandment  me  to  save, 
for  tliou'rt  my  rock  and  fort. 

4  Free  me,  my  God,  from  wicked  hands, 
hands  cruel  and  unjust. 

5  For  thou,  O  Lord  God,  art  my  hope, 
and  from  my  youth,   my  trust. 

6  Thou  from  the  womb  didst  hold  me  up  ; 
thou  art  the  same  that  me 

Out  of  my  mother's  bowels  took  ; 
I  ever  will  praise  thee. 

7  To  many  I  a  wonder  am  ; 
but  thou'rt  my  refuge  strong. 

8  FilPd  let  my  mouth  be  with  thy  praise 
and  honour  all  day  long. 

9  O  do  not  cast  me  off,  when  as 
old  age  doth  overtake  me  ; 

And  when  my  strength  decayed  is, 
then  do  not  thou  forsake  me. 
W  For  those  that  are  mine  enemies, 
against  me  speak  with  hate  : 
And  they  together  counsel  take, 
that  for  my  soul  lay  wait. 

1 1  They  said,  God  leaves  him  :  him  pursue 
and  take  :  none  will  him  save. 

12  Be  thou  not  far  from  me,  my  God  : 
thy  speedy  help  I  crave. 


PSALM  "LXXI. 


itf 


£3  Confound,  consume  them,  that  unto 
my  soul  are  enemies  : 
€loth?d  be  they  with  reproach  and  sham& 
that  do  my  hurt  devise. 
14<  But  I  with  expectation 
will  hope  continually  ; 
And  yet  with  praises  more  and  more 
I  will  thee  magnify. 

15  Thy  justice  and  salvation 

my  mouth  abroad  shall  show, 
Ev'n  all  the  day  ;  for  I  thereof 
the  numbers  do  not  know. 

16  And  I  will  constantly  go  on 

in  strength  of  God  the  Lord  : 
And  thine  own  righteousness,  ev?n  thine 
alone,  I  will  reeord. 

17  For,  ev?n  from  my  youth,  O  God, 

by  thee  I  have  been  taught : 
And  hitherto  I  have  declared 
the  wonders  thou  hast  wrought. 

18  And  now,  Lord,  leave  me  not,  when  I 

old  and  grey-headed  grow  : 
Till  to  this  age,  thy  strength  and  pow*i> 
to  all  to  come,  I  show. 

19  And  thy  most  perfect  righteousness, 

O  Lord,  is  very  high, 
Who  hast  so  great  things  done  :  O  God^ 
who  is  like  unto  thee  ? 

20  Thou  Lord,  who  great  adversities, 

and  sore  to  me  didst  show, 
Shalt  quicken,  and  bring  me  again 
from  depths  of  earth  below. 

21  My  greatnes  and  my  pow'r  thou  will 

increase  a$d  far  extend : 

Q 


182  PSALM    LXXIL 

On  ev'ry  side,  against  all  griefc 
thou  wilt  me  conifort»send. 

&%  Thee,  ev'n  thy  truth,  I'll  also  praise?< 
my  God,  with  psaltery  : 
Thou  holy  one  of  Israel, 
with  harp  I'll  sing  to  thee. 
23  My  lips  shall  much  rejoice  in  thee, 
when  I  thy  praises  sound  : 
My  soul,  which  thou  redeemed  has^. 
in  joy  shall  much  abound. 

£4  My  tongue  thy  justice  shall  proclaim, 
continuing  all  day  long  : 
For  they  confounded  are,  and  sham'd, 
ihat  seek  to  do  me  wrong. 

PSALM  LXXIL 

A  Psalm  for  Solomon. 

This  Psalm  was  composed  by  David,  about  the  time 
of"  Solomon's  instalment  in  the  throne  of  Israel ;  1  Kings 
i.  and  ii.  With  respect  to  him,  here  is,  (1)  Fervent 
prayer  for  proper  qualifications  to  furnish  him  for  gov- 
ernment;  ver.  1.  (2)  Predictions  of  the  peace,  glory, 
extent,  wealth,  duration  and  happiness,  of  his  govern- 
ment ;  Ver.  2 — 17.  (3)  Praise  to  the  God  of  Israel  for 
his  mercies  to  his  people;  ver.  18,  19.  But  as  our  Re- 
deemer is  principally  intended,  we  have  concerning  him, 
( 1 )  His  being  furnished  with  the  Holy  Ghost  above  mea- 
sure, to  qualify  him  for  his  work  ;  ver.  1 .  (2)  The  glories 
of  his  government ;  how  righteous,  how  prudent,  how 
orderly,  how  condescending  and  merciful,  how  destruc- 
tive to  oppressors,  how  efficaciously  productive  to  real  re- 
ligion, and  how  comfortable  to  his  faithful  subjects  his 
administrations  are  !  ver.  2 — 9.  How  extensive  his 
church  among  all  ranks  and  nations  ;  how  tender  his  care 
Qf  the  meanest  of  his  subjects,  how  much  he  is  revered 
and  adored  by  them  ;  how  astonishing  their  increase,  by 
means  of  bis  gospel  truth  preached  ;  and  how  permanent 


PSALM    LXXII.  183 

and  useful  his  government !  ver.  10 — 17.  (3)  A  solemn 
ascription  of  all  the  praise  of  these  wonderful  works  to 
God  alone,  with  an  earnest  request  and  believing  expec- 
tation, that  his  glory  shall  fill  the  whole  earth;  ve», 
18,    19. 

While  I  sing  these  lofty  notes  of  the  dying  Psalmist, 
let  me  admire,  let  me  adore,  let  me  sing  praises  to  Jesus 
my  King.  Let  me  rejoice  in  his  highness,  in  his  exten- 
sive usefulness  to  men. 

OLORD,  thy  judgments  give  the  king; 
his  son  thy  righteousness. 

2  With  right  he  shall  thy  people  judge, 

thy  poor  with  uprightness. 

3  The  lofty  mountains  shall  bring  forth 

unto  the  people  peace  : 
Likewise  the  little  hills  the  same 
shall  do,  by  righteousness. 

4  The  people's  poor  ones  he  shall  judge, 

the  needv's  children  save  : 

*j 

And  those  shall  he  in  pieces  break, 
who  them  oppressed  have. 
6  They  shall  thee  fear,  while  sun  and  moon 
do  lagt  through  ages  all. 

6  Like  rain  on  mown  grass  he  shall  drop, 

or  show'rs  on  earth  that  fall. 

7  The  just  shall  flourish  in  his  days, 

and  prosper  in  his  reign  : 
He  shall,  while  doth  the  moon  endure, 
abundant  peace  maintain. 

8  His  large  and  great  dominion  shall 

from  sea  to  sea  extend  : 
It  from  the  river  shall  reach  forth 
unto  earth's  utmost  end. 

9  They  in  the  wilderness  that  dwell 

bow  down  before  him  racist : 


Uj4  PSALM    LXXIL 

And  they  that  are  his  enemies 
shall  liek  the  very  dust. 
10  The  kings  of  Tarshish,  and  the  isles 
to  him  shall  presents  bring  ; 
And  unto  him  shall  offer  gifts 
Sheba's  and  Seba's  king. 
ii  Yea,  all  the  mighty  kings  on  earth 
before  hint  down  shall  fall : 
And  all  the  nations  of  the  world 
do  service  to  him  shall. 

12  For  he  the  needy  shall  preserve j 

when  he  to  him  doth  call ; 
The  poor  also,  and  him  that  hath 
no  help  of  man  at  all. 

13  The  poor  man,  and  the  indigent/ 

in  m&vfv  l»o  ^l»-^i  c~*:7*~  * 

He  shall  preserve  alive  the  souls 
of  those  that  needy  are. 

14  Both  from  deceit  and  violence, 

their  soul  he  shall  set  free  ; 
And  in  his  sight  right  precious 
and  dear  their  blood  shall  be. 

15  Yea  he  shall  live,  and  giv'n  to  him 

shall  be  of  Sheba's  gold  ; 
For  him  still  shall  they  pray,  and  he 

shall  daily  be  extoll'd. 
13  Of  corn  an  handful  in  the  earth 

on  tops  of  mountains  high, 
With  prosperous  fruit  shall  shake,  like  treesx 

on  Lebanon  that  be. 
The  city  shall  be  flourishing, 

her  citizens  abound 
In  number  shall,  like  to  the  grass 

that  grows  upon  the  ground. 


PSALM  LXXIII.  185 

17  His  name  forever  shall  endure  ; 

last  like  the  sun  it  shall  : 
Men  shall  be  bless'd  in  him,  and  bless'd 
all  nations  shall  him  call. 

18  Now  blessed  be  the  Lord  our  God, 

the  God  of  Israel, 
For  he  alone  doth  wondrous  works, 
in  glory  that  excel. 

19  And  blessed  be  his  glorious  name, 

to  all  eternity  ; 
The  whole  earth  let  his  glory  fill  : 
Amen,  so  let  it  be. 

The  Prayers  of  David  the  son  of  Jesse  are  ended'. 

PSALM  LXXIH. 

A  Psalm  of  Asaph! , 

This  Psalm  and  the  ten  following  are  called  Psalms  of 
Asaph  ;  but  whether  because  he  composed  most  of  them, 
or  because  he  led  the  music  in  singing  them,  is  not  alto- 
gether certain.  Here  we  have,  ( 1 )  the  great  foundation 
of  all  religion,  viz.  the  goodness  of  God  to  his  people, 
strongly  asserted  ;  ver.  1 .  (2)  The  Psalmist's  faith  fear- 
fully shaken  by  the  consideration  of  the  freedom,  pros- 
perity, plenty,  and  peaceful  like  death  of  the  wicked ; 
which  rendered  them  proud,  oppressive,  insolent,,  athe- 
istical, and  profane  ;  while  himself  was  in  a  manner  con- 
signed to  nothing  but  trouble;  ver.  2 — 13.  (3)  The 
temptation,  when  it  had  reduced  him  to  the  brink  of 
atheism,  is  broken,  by  a  discovery  of  the  connected  pur- 
poses and  providences  of  God,  in  his  word  and  ordinan- 
ces ;  ver  14 — :20.  (4)  His  improvement  of  his  fall  and 
recovery,  to  promote  a  deep  sense  of  his  own  meanness, 
ignorance  and  folly  ;  a  complete  dependence  on  God  as 
his  guide  ;  a  cleaving  to  him  as  his  portion,  infinitely  pre- 
ferable to  every  thing  else  ;  without  whom  one  is  neces- 
sarily miserable.,  and  in  the  enjoyment  of  whom  he  Is 


*£  PSALM   LXXIII 

assured  of  happiness,  and  excited  to  praise  and  thanks- 
giving ;  ver.  21 — 23. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  remember  my  own  wickedness 
and  folly  ;  let  me  receive  instruction  in  duty.  Let  me 
cleave  to  God  as  n>y  portion,  and  resolve  to  draw  my 
light  and  comfort  from  the  oracles  of  his  mouth,  and  or- 
dinances of  his  grace. 

YET  God  is  good  to  Israel, 
to  each  pure  hearted  one. 
3  But  as  for  me,  my  steps  near  slipU 

my  feet  were  almost  gone. 
3  For  I  envious  was,  and  grudg?d 
the  foolish  folk  to  see, 
When  I  perceiv'd  the  wicked  sort 
enjoy  prosperity. 

4<  For  still  their  strength  continueth  firm  ;• 

their  death  of  bands  is  free  ; 
d  They  are  not  toiPd  as  other  men, 

nor  plagu'd  as  others  be. 
G  Therefore  their  pride,  like  to.  a  chain, 

them  compasseth  about  : 
And,  as  a  garment,  violence 

doth  cover  them  throughout. 

7  Their  eyes  stand  out  with  fat ;  they  have 

more  than  their  hearts  could  wish. 

8  They  are  corrupt ;  their  talk  of  wrong 

both  lewd  and  lofty  is. 

9  They  set  their  mouth  against  the  heavens 

in  their  blasphemous  talk  ; 
And  their  reproaching  tongue  throughout 
the  earth  at  large  doth  walk. 

10  His  people  oftentimes  for  this 

look  back,  and  turn  about ; 


PSALM   LXXIIt  l« 

Sith  waters  of  so  full  a  cup 
to  these  are  poured  out 

11  And  thus  they  say,  how  can  it  be 

that  God  these  things  doth  know  ? 
Or,  can  there  in  the  Highest  be 
knowledge  of  things  below  ? 

12  Behold,  these  are  the  wicked  ones, 

yet  prosper  at  their  will 
In  wordly  things  ;  they  do  increase, 
in  wealth  and  riches  still, 

13  I  verily  have  done  in  vain 

niy  heart  to  purify  ; 
To  no  effect  in  innocence 
washed  my  hands  have  I* 

14  For  daily,  and  all  day  throughout, 

great  plagues  I  suffered  have  ; 
Yea,  ev'ry  morning  I  of  new 
did  chastisement  receive. 

15  If  in  this  manner  foolishly 

to  speak  I  would  intend, 

Thy  children's  generation, 

behold,  I  should  offend. 

16  When  I  this  thought  to  know,  it  was 

too  hard  a  thing  for  me  ; 

17  Till  to  God's  sanctuary  I  went, 

then  I  their  end  did  see. 

18  Assuredly  thou  didst  them,  set, 

a  slippery  place  upon  ; 
Them  suddenly  thou  castedst  dowi* 
into  destruction. 

19  How  in  a  moment  suddenly 

to  ruin  brought  are  they  Si 
With  fearful  terrors  utterly 
they  are  consumed  away. 


! 


M8  PSALM    LXXIII. 

20  Ev'n  like  unto  a  dream,   when  one 

from  sleeping  doth  arise  ; 
So  thou,  O  Lord,  when  thou  awak'st 
their  image  shalt  despise. 

21  Thus  grieved  was  my  heart  in  me, 

and  me  my  reins  opprest ; 

22  So  rude  was  I  and  ignorant, 

and  in  thy  sight  a  beast, 
S3  Nevertheless  continually, 

0  Lord,  I  am  with  thee  : 

Thou  dost  me  hold  by  my  right  hand, 
and  still  upholdest  me. 

2±  Thou  with  thy  council,  while  I  live, 
wilt  me  conduct  and  guide ; 
And  to  thy  glory  afterward 
receive  me  to  abide. 

25  Whom  have  I  in  the  heavens  high, 

but  thee,  O  Lord,  alone  ? 
And  in  the  earth,  whom  I  desire 
besides  thee,  there  is  none. 

26  My  flesh  and  heart  doth  faint  and  fail, 

but  God  doth  fail  me  never  : 
For  of  my  heart  God  is  the  strength, 
and  portion  for  ever. 

67  For  lo,  they  that  are  far  from  thee, 

for  ever  perish  shall ; 
Them  that  a  whoring  from  thee  go, 
thou  hast  destroyed  all. 

68  But  surely  it  is  good  for  me, 

that  I  draw  near  to"  God  : 
In  God  I  trust,  that  all  thy  works 

1  may  declare  abroad. 


(      189     ) 

PSALM  LXXIV. 

Maschil  of  Asajih. 

This  Psalm  relates  to  the  destruction  of  the  city  and 
temple  of  Jerusalem  by  the  Chaldeans,  or  to  some  simi- 
lar disaster.  In  it  we  have,  (1)  the  church's  bitter  com- 
plaintsof  God's  displeasure  ;  of  the  outrage  of  their  ene- 
mies ;  and  of  the  apparent  hopelessness  of  their  case  ; 
ver.  1 — 11.  (2)  Strong  and  heart-encouraging  plead- 
ings, with  God,  upon  the  account  of  his  relation  to  them, 
and  of  the  great  things  he  had  done  for  them,  -.nd  that  he 
was  at  once  their  God  and  the  God  of  nature  ;  that  there- 
fore he  would  remember  to  execute  just  vengeance  upon 
his  sworn  enemies,  and  grant  help  and  relief  to  his  cove- 
nant people  ;  ver.  12 — 23. 

While  I  sing  this,  let  me  admire  the  sovereignty  and 
holiness  of  God,  in  so  severely  correcting  his  own  peo~ 
pie.  And  let  the  broken  the  deserted  condition  of  the 
church,  in  this  land,  deeply  affect  my  heart,  and  excite 
my  earnest  prayers  for  her  restoration. 

OGOB,  why  hast  thou  cast  us  off  ? 
is  it  for  evermore  ? 
Against  thy  pasture-sheep  why  doth 
thine  anger  smoke  so  sore  ? 
%  O  call  to  thy  rememberance 
thy  congregation, 
Which  thou  hast  purchased  of  old.: 
still  think  the  same  upon  : 

The  rod  of  thine  inheritance, 

which  thou  redeemed  hast ; 
This  Zion  hill,  wherein  thou  had'st 

thy  dwelling  in  times  past. 
To  these  long  desolations 

thy  feet  lift,  do  not  tarry  : 
For  all  the  ills  thy  foes  have  done 

within  thy  sanctuary. 


'190  PSALM  LXXIY. 

4  Amidst  thy  congregations, 

thine  enemies  do  roar  : 
Their  ensigns  they  set  up  for  signs 
of  triumph  thee  before. 

5  A  man  was  famous  and  was  had 

in  estimation, 
According  as  he  lifted  up 
his  axe  thick  trees  upon. 

0  But  till  at  once  with  axes  now, 
and  hammers  they  go  to, 
And  down  the  carved  work  thereof 
they  break,  and  quite  undo. 

7  They  fired  have  thy  sanctttary, 

and  have  defiPd  the  same, 
By  casting  down  unto  the  ground 
the  place  where  dwelt  thy  name. 

8  Thus  said  they  in  their  hearts,  let  us 

destroy  them  out  of  hand  : 
They  burnt  up  all  the  synagogues 
of  God  within  the  land. 

9  Our  signs  we  do  not  now  behold  ; . 

there  is  not  us  among 
A  prophet  more,  nor  any  one 
that  knows  the  time  how  long. 

10  How  long,  Lord,  shall  the  enemy 

thus  in  reproach  exclaim  ? 
And  shall  the  adversary  thus 
always' blaspheme  thy  name  ? 

11  Thy  hand,  ev'n  thy  right  hand  of  might, 

why  dost  thou  thus  draw  back  ? 
O  from  thy  bosom  pluck  it  out, 
for  our  deliverance  sake. 
A3  For  -certainly  Grod  is  my  king, 
ev'n  from  the  times  of  old. 


PSALM  LXXIV.  191 

Working  in  midst  of  all  the  earth 
salvation  manifold. 

13  The  sea,  by  thy  great  pow'r,  to  part 

asunder  thou  didst  make ; 
And  thou  the  dragons'  heads,  O  Lord^ 
within  the  waters  brake. 

14  The  leviathans'  heads  thou  brafc'st 

in  pieces,  and  didst  give 
Him  to  be  meat  unto  the  folk  • 
in  wilderness  that  live. 

15  Thou  clav'st  the  fountain  and  the  flood^ 

which  did  with  streams  abound  : 
Thou  dry'dst  the  mighty  waters  up> 
unto  the  very  ground. 

16  Thine  only  is  the  day,  O  Lord, 

thine  also  is  the  night : 
And  thou  alone  prepared  hast 
the  sun  and  shining  light. 

17  By  thee  the  borders  of  the  earth 

were  settled  ev'ry  where  : 
The  summer  and  the  winter  both 
by  thee  created  wrere. 

18  That  th'  enemy  reproached  hath* 
O  keep  it  in  record ; 

And  that  the  foolish  people  have 
blasphemed  thy  name,  O  Lord. 

19  Unto  the  multitude  do  not 
thy  turtle's  soul  deliver  : 

The  congregation  of  thy  poor,, 
do  not  forget  for  ever. 
30  Unto  thy  covenant  have  respect,: 

(for  earth's  dark  places  be 
Full  of  the  habitations 
of  horrid  cruelty. 


i 


195'  PSALM    LXXV. 

21  0  Let  not  those  that  be  oppress'd, 
return  again  with  shaint  : 
Let  those  tnat  poor  and  needy  are 
give  praise  unto  thy  name  : 

&2  Do  thou,  O  God,  arise  and  plead 
the  cause  that  is  thine  own  ; 
Remember  how  thou  art  reproaeh'd 
still  bv  the  foolish  one. 
23  Do  not  forget  the  voice  of  those 
that  are  thine  enemies : 
Of  those  the  tumult  ever  grows 
that  do  against  thee  rise. 

PSALM  LXXY. 

To  the  'chief  Musician,  AL-fAscHiTH.  A  Psalm  or  song 
of  Asaph. 

Here,  (1)  David  returns  thanks  to  God  for  advancing 
him  to  the  throne  of  Israel,  and  resolves  to  act  for  the 
public  welfare ;  ver.  I — 3,  9,  10.  (2)  He  rebukes  the 
insolence  of  such  as  opposed  his  advancement,  which 
sprung  from  the  sovereign  disposal  of  God,  the  judge  of 
the  world,  and  denounceth  their  destruction  ;  ver.  4 — 8. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  think  of  Jesus,  whom  God  hath 
crowned  with  glory  and  honour,  and  of  the  infinite  dan- 
ger of  opposing  his  government.  And  if  he  exalt  me 
to  the  spiritual  honours  of  his  kingdom,  let  it  be  my  care 
to.  glorify  him,  and  to  profit  his  people. 

TO  thee,  O  God,  do  we  give  thanks, 
we  do  give  thanks  to  thee  : 
.Because  thy  wondrous  works  declare 
thy  great  name  near  to  be. 
&  I  purpose,  when  I  shall  receive 
the  congregation, 
That  I  shall  judgment  uprightly 
render  to  ev'rv  one. 


PSALM   LXXVI.  \9> 

B  Dissolved  is  the  land,  with  all 
that  in  the  same  do  dwell ; 
But  I  the  pillars  thereof  do 
bear  up  and  'stablish  well. 

4  I  to  the  foolish  people  said, 

do  not  deal  foolishly  ; 
And  unto  those  that  wicked  are, 
lift  not  your  horn  on  high. 

5  Lift  not  your  horn  on  high,  nor  speak 

6  With  stubborn  neck.     But  know, 
That  not  from  east,  nor  west,  nor  south, 

promotion  doth  flow. 

7  But  God  is  judge  :  he  puts  down  one, 

and  sets  another  up. 

8  For  in  the  hand  of  God  most  high 

of  red  wine  is  a  cup  : 

?Tis  full  of  mixture,  he  pours  forth. 

and  makes  the  wicked  all 
Wring  out  the  bitter  dregs  thereof ; 

yea,  and  they  drink  them  shall. 

9  But  I  for  ever  will  declare, 

I  Jacob's  God  will  praise, 

10  All  horns  of  lewd  men  I'll  cut  off; 

but  just  men's  horns  will  raise. 

PSALM  LXXVI. 

To  (he  chief  Musician,  on  NEGiNorn.  A  Psalm  or  Song 
of  As  a  pa 

This  Psalm  is  like  to  the  48th,  -and  was  penned  on  oc- 
casion of  some  remarkable  victory  ;  but  whether  in  the 
days  of  David,  Asa,  Jehoshaphat,  or  Hezekiah,  2  Chrom 
xiv.  xx.  xxxii.  is  uncertain.  We  have  in  it,  (1)  en- 
couraging congratulations  of  the  church's  happiness  in 
having  God  so  manifested  in  her,  and  so  near  unto  lier ; 
and  in  having  his  power  so  employe^in  her  behalf,  to 
R 


i94  PSALM   LXXVI. 

the  advancement  of  his  own  glory,  and  the  destruction  of 
her  enemies  ;  ver.  1 — 6.  (2)  Important  instructions 
how  to  improve  this  victory,  to  the  terror  of  enemies,  the 
comfort  of  saints,  and  the  excitement  of  all  to  vow  to 
God,, and  to  obey  and  revere  him  ;  ver.  7 — 12. 

While  I  sing*  this  Psalm,  let  my  soul  bless  the  Lord, 
that  my  lot  hath  been  always  cast  in  a  land  of  gospel  light. 
Let  me,  with  thankful  heart,  remember  what  he  hath 
done  for  this  church  and  land  ;  and  give  him  the  praise 
of  every  deliverance.  Let  me  never  fear  the  rage  of 
men  ;  but  in  every  danger  and  doubt  commit  my  way  to 
God,  that  he  may  bring  it  to  pass. 

IN  Judah's  land  God  is  well  known, 
his  name's  in  Isr'el  great : 

2  In  Salem  is  his  tabernacle, 

in  Zion  is  his  seat. 

3  There  arrows  of  the  bow  he  brake, 

the  shield,  the  sword,  the  war. 

4  More  glorious  thou  than  hills  of  prey, 

more  excellent  art  far. 

5  Those  that  were  stout  of  heart  are  spoiPd, 

they  slept  their  sleep  outright  ; 
And  none  of  those  their  hands  did  find 
that  were  the  men  of  might. 

6  When  thy  rebuke,  O  Jacob's  God, 

had  forth  against  them  past, 
Their  horses  and  their  chariots  both 

were  in  a  dead  sleep  cast, 
y  Thou,  Lord,  ev'n  thou  art  he  that  should 

be  fear'd,  and  who  is  he 
That  may  stand  up  before  thy  sight, 

if  once  thou  angry  be  ? 

8  From  heav'n  thou  judgment  caus'd  be  hearc^ 

the  earth  was  still  with  fear, 

9  When  God  to  judgment  rose,  to  save 

al  meek  on  earth  that  were. 


PSALM   LXXV1I.  m- 

10  Surely  the  very  wrath  of  mail 

unto  thy  praise  redounds  : 
Thou  to  the  remnant  of  his  wrath 
wilt  set  restraining  bounds. 

1 1  Tow  to  the  Lord  your  God,  and  pay, 

all  ye  that  near  him  be  ; 
Bring  gifts  and  presents  unto  him  : 
For  to  be  fear'd  is  he. 

i%  By  him  the  sp'rits  shall  be  cut^ofF 
of  those  that  princes  are : 
Unto  the  kings  tiiat  are  on  earth 
he  fearful  doth  appear. 

PSxVLM  LXXVIL 

To  the  chief  Musician  to  Jtduthan.  A  Psalm  cf  AsApij,. 

This  Psalm  relates  to,  (1)  A  most  afflicted  case,  in 
which  are  remarkable,  fervent,  and  incessant  prayers, 
agonizing  restlessness,  heart-overwhelming  meditations, 
melancholy  fears,  and  almost  desperate  outcries,  con- 
cerning God  ;  ver.  1 — 9.  (2)  The  effectual  cure  of  this 
mournful  case,  by  serious  meditation  on  and  solemn  ac- 
knowledgment of*  the  power,  greatness,  and  grace  of 
(jod,  as  our  God  ;  and  of  the  holiness  and  mysteriousness 
of  his  providential  conduct;  particularly  in  bringing  Is-, 
rael  out-of  Egypt,  and  leading  them  through  the  wilder- 
ness to  the  promised  land  ;  ver.  10 — 20. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  stand  in  awe  of  that  God,  who 
so  chastiseth  his  favourite  saints.  Let  me  sympathize 
with  men  of  wounded  spirits.  If  my  soul  is  overwhelm- 
ed within  me,  let  me  call  to  mind  the  gracious  character, 
and  great  works  of  my  God,  for  his  church,  or  for  my 
soul. 

UNTO  the  Lord  I  with  my  voice, 
I  unto  God  did  cry  ; 
Ev'n  with  my  voice,  and  unto  me 
his  ear  he  did  apply. 


J96  PSALM   LXXVI1. 

2  I  in  my  trouble  sought  the  Lord* 
my  sore  by  night  did  run, 
And  ceased  not  :  my  grieved  soul 
did  consolation  shun. 
8  I  to  remembrance  God  did  call, 
yet  trouble  did  remain  : 
And  overwhelmed  my  spirit  was, 
wjiilst  I  did  sore  complain. 
4?  Mine  eyes,  debarred  from  rest  and  sleeps 
thou  makest  still  to  wake  : 
My  trouble  is  so  great,  that  I 
unable  am  to  speak. 

5  The  days  of  old  to  mind  I  call'd, 
and  oft  did  think  upon 
The  times  and  ages  that  are  past 
full  many  years  agone. 
fi  By  night  my  song  I  call  to  mind, 
and  commune  with  my  heart  % 
My  sp'rit  did  carefully  enquire 
how  I  might  ease  my  smart. 

7  For  ever  will  the  Lord  cast  off, 
and  gracious  be  no  more? 

8  Forever  is  his  mercy  gone  ? 
fails  his  word  evermore  ? 

<*  Is't  true,  that  to  be  gracious 
the  Lord  forgotten  hath  ? 
And  that  his  tender  mercies  he 
hath  shut  up  in  his  wrath  ? 
10  Then  did  I  say,  that  surely  this 
is  mine  infirmity  ; 
I'll  mind  the  years  of  the  right  hand 
of  him  that  is  most  High. 
il  Yea,  I  remember  will  the  work* 
performed  by  the  Lord ; 


PSALM    LXXVII.  197 

The  wonders  clone  of  old  by  thee 
I  surely  will  record. 

12  L  also  will  of  all  thy  works 

my  meditation  make, 
And  of  thy  doings  to  discourse 
great  pleasure  I  will  take. 

13  O  God,  thy  way  most  holy  is 

within  thy  sanctuary  : 
And  what  God  is  so  great  in  pow'r, 
as  is  our  God  most  high  ? 

14  Thou  art  the  God  that  wonders  do'st, 

by  thy  right  hand  most  strong  ; 
Thy  mighty  pow'r  thou  hast  declar  d 
the  nations  among. 

15  To  thine  own  people  with  thine  arm 

thou  didst  redemption  bring  ; 
To  Jacob's  sons,  and  to  the  tribes 
of  Joseph  that  do  spring. 

16  The  waters,  Lord,  perceived  thee, 

the  waters  saw  thee  well : 
And  they  for  fear  aside  did  flee  ; 
the  depths  on  trembling  fell. 

17  The  clouds  in  water  forth  were  pour't^ 

sound  loudly  did  the  sky  ; 
And  swiftly  through  the  world  abroad 
thine  arrows  fierce  did  fly. 

18  Thy  thunder's  voice  alongst  the  heav'n 

a  mighty  noise  did  make  : 
By  lightnings  lightned  was  the  world, 
th?  earth  tremble  did  and  shake. 

19  Thy  way  is  in  the  sea,  and  in 

the  waters  great  thy  path  : 
Yet  are  thy  footsteps  hid,  O  Lord, 
none,  knowledge  thereof  hath* 
£  Z 


198  PSALM    LXXVIIi. 

SO  Thy  people  thou  didst  safely  lead 
like  to  a  flock  of  slieep  ; 
By  Moses'  hand,  and  Aaron's  thou 
didst  them  conduct  and  keep. 

PSALM  LXXYIIL 

Maschil  of  Atafih. 

This  Psalm  is  a  brief  but  instructive  history  of  the, 
transactions  between  Israel  and  their  God,  for  about  foup 
hundred  and  eighty  years,  from  Moses  to  David-  Here 
is,  (1)  The  introduction,  containing  a  solemn  call  to  an 
attentive  consideration  cf  God's  words  and  works,  in  or- 
der to  a  faithful  transmitting  of  the  knowledge  thereof  to 
posterity,  that  they  might  set  their  hope  in  God,  and  re- 
form from  their  fathers  wickedness  ;  ver.  1 — 8.  (2)  The 
history  itself,  in  which  are  exhibited,  1 .  God's  favours  to 
Israel  before  their  settlement  in  Canaan,  in  plaguing  the 
Egyptians  ;  in  dividing  the  Red  Sea  ;  in  giving  them  wa- 
ter from  the  rock,  and  manna  from  heaven  ;  in  bringing 
them  into  Canaan,  notwithstanding  their  unnumbered- 
provocations,  particularly  their  forgetfulness  of  his  migh- 
ty works,  their  ingratitude  for  his  favours  ;  their  mur- 
muring against  his  trying  dispensations,  their  eagerness 
to  satiate  their  lusts  with  his  benefits,  their  impenitent 
©bduracy,  or  hypocritical  repentance  under  his  rebukes  ; 
ver.  9 — 55.  2.  Their  ingratitude,  treachery,  and  idola- 
try, after  their  entrance  into  Canaan  ;  with  God's  righ- 
teous resentment  thereof,  in  removing  his  tabernacle  from 
Shiloh,  and  in  delivering  up  his  ark  and  people  into  the 
hand  of  the  Philistines  ;  ver.  56 — 64.  3.  God's  merci- 
ful return  to  them,  in  obliging  the  Philistines,  by  the 
plague  of  emrods,  to  restore  his  ark  ;  in  at  length  pro- 
viding an  habitation  for  it  at  Jerusalem  ;  and  in  raising 
up  and  qualifying  David,  a  descendant  of  Judah,  to 
govern  them  in  a  manner  both  honourable  and  happy  ; 
ver.  65 — 72.  These  things  are  more  largely  recorded  in 
the  books  of  Exodus,  Numbers,  Deuteronomy,  Joshua, 
Judges,   1st  and  2d  Samuel,  and  part  of  1st  Kings. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  with  grief  and  shame  remember 
my  own  and  my  fathers'  transgressions  against  the  Lord. 
I^et  me  adore  the  infinite  patience,  power,  and  mercy. 


PSALM  LXXVIII.  i99 

holiness  and  equity  of  God.  Let  me  bless  his  holy  name, 
for  the  multitude  of  his  undeserved  favours  towards  me, 
and  towards  the  church.  And  though  he  cause  grief,  let 
me  hope,  that  in  due  time,  he  will  have  compassion. 

ATTEND,  my  people,  to  my  law  g 
thereto  give  thou  an  ear  : 
The  words  that  from  my  mouth  proceed 
attentively  do  hear. 
2  My  mouth  shall  speak  a  parable, 

and  sayings  dark  of  old  ; 
8  The  same  which  we  have  heard  and  known-, 
and  us  our  fathers  told. 

4  We  also  will  theni  not  conceal 

from  their  posterity  : 
Them  to  the  generation 

to  come  declare  will  we  : 
The  praises  of  the  Lord  our  God, 

and  his  almighty  strength, 
The  wondrous  works  that  he  hath  done, 

we  will  show  forth  at  length. 

5  His  testimony  and  his  law 

in  Israel  he  did  place, 
And  charged  our  fathers  it  to  show 
to  their  succeeding  race. 

6  That  so  4he  race  which  w*s  to  come, 

might  well  them  learn  and  know  ; 
And  sons  unborn,  who  should  arise, 
might  to  their  sons  them  show. 

7  That  they  might  set  their  hope  in  God, 

and  suffer  not  to  fall 
His  mighty  works  out  of  their  mind, 
but  keep  hjs  precepts  all ; 

8  And  might  not,  like  their  fathers,  be 

a  stiff  rebellious  race  ; 


- 


200  PSALM    LXXVIII. 

A  race  not  right  in  heart :  with  God 
whose  sp'rit  not  stedfast  was. 

9  The  sons  of  Ephraim,   who  nor  bows 

nor  other  arms  did  lack, 
When  as  the  day  of  battle  was, 
they  faintly  turned  back. 

10  They  brake  God's  covenant,  and  refused 

in  his  commands  to  go. 

11  His  works  and  wonders  they  forgot, 

which  he  to  them  did  show. 

12  Things  marvellous  he  brought  to  pass^ 

their  fathers  them  beheld 
Within  the  land  of  Egypt  done, 
yea,  ev'n  in  Zoan's  field. 

13  By  him  divided  was  the  sea, 

he  caus'd  them  through  to  pass  ; 
And  made  the  waters  so  to  stand, 
as  like  an  heap  it  was. 

14  With  cloud  by  day,  with  light  of  fire 

all  night  he  did  them  guide. 

15  In  desert,  rocks  he  clave,  and  drink, 

as  Trom  great  depths,  supply'd. 

16  He  from  the  rocks  brought  streams,  like 

made  waters  to  run  down.  [floods 

17  Yet  sinning  more,  in  desart  they 

provok'd  the  highest  One. 

18  For  in  their  heart  they  tempted  God  ; 

and,  speaking  with  mistrust, 
They  greedily  did  meat  require 
to  satisfy  their  lust. 

19  Against  the  Lord  himself  they  spake* 

and,  murmuring,  said  thus^ 
A  table  in  the  wilderness 
%in  God  prepare  for  us  ? 


PSALM    LXXVIII.  201 

20  Behold^  he  smote  the  rock,  and  thence 

came  streams  and  waters  great ; 
But  can  he  give  his  people  bread  ? 
and  send  them  flesh  to  eat  ? 

21  The  Lord  did  hear,  and  waxed  wroth  ; 

so  kindled  was  a  flame 
'Gainst  Jacob,  and  'gainst  Israel 
up  indignation  came. 

22  For  they  believ'd  not  God,  nor  trust 

in  his  salvation  had. 

23  Though  clouds  above  he  did  command, 

and  heav'n's  doors  open  made  ; 

24  And  manna  rain'd  on  them,  and  gave 

them  corn  of  Heaven  to  eat. 

25  Man  angel's  food  did  eat ;  to  them 

he  to  the  full  sent  meat. 

26  And  in  the  heaven  he  did  cause 

an  eastern  wind  to  blow  ; 
And  by  his  power  he  let  out 
the  southern  wind  to  go. 

27  Then  flesh  as  thick  as  dust  he  made 

to  rain  down  them  among  ; 
And  feather' d  fowls,  like  as  the  sand 
which  ly'th  the  shore  along. 

28  At  his  command,  amidst  their  camp 

these  show'rs  of  flesh  down  fell, 
All  round  about  the  tabernacles 
and  tents  where  they  did  dwells 

29  So  did  they  eat  abundantly, 

and  had  of  meat  their  fill ; 
For  he  did  give  to  them  what  was 
their  own  desire  and  will. 

30  They  from  their  lust  had  not  estrang'd 

their  heart  and  their  desire  ; 


202  PSALM    LXXVIII. 

But  while  the  meat  was  in  their  mouths, 
which  they  did  so  require, 

31  God's  wrath  upon  them  came,  and  slew 

the  fattest  of  them  all  ; 
So  that  the  choice  of  Israel, 
overthrown  by  death  did  fall. 

32  Yet  notwithstanding  of  all  this, 

they  sinned  still  the  more  ; 
And  though  he  had  great  wonders  wrought^ 

believ'd  him  not  therefore. 
38  Wherefore  their  days  in  vanity 

he  did  consume  and  waste  ; 
And  by  his  wrath  their  wretched  years 

away  in  trouble  past. 

'34  But  when  he  slew  them,  then  they  did 
to  seek  him  shew  desire  ; 
Yea,  they  returned,  and  after  God 
right  early  did  enquire. 

35  And  that  the  Lord  had  been  their  rock 

they  did  remember  then  ; 
Ev?n  that  the  high  Almighty  God 
had  their  redeemer  been. 

36  Yet  with  their  mouth  they  flatter  d  him/ 

and  spake  but  feignedly  ; 
And  they  unto  the  God  of  truth 
with  thdr  false  tongues  did  lie. 

37  For  tho'  their  words  were  good,  their  hcatft 

with  him  was  not  sincere  : 
Unstedfast  and  perfidious 
tney  in  his  cov'nant  were. 

38  But,  full  of  pity,  he  forgave 

their  sin,  them  did  not  slay  ; 
Nor  stirr'd  up  all  his  wrath,  but  oft 
his  anger  turn'd  away. 


PSALM  LXXVIII,  205- 

39  For  that  they  were  but  fading  flesh 

to  mind  he  did  recall ; 
A  wind  that  passeth  soon  away, 
and  not  returns  at  all. 

40  How  often  did  they  him  provoke 

within  the  wilderness  ; 
And  in  the  desert  him  did  grieve 

with  their  rebelliousness  ? 
4i  Yea,  turning  back,  they  tempted  God,. 

and  limits  set  upon 
Him,  who  in  the  midst  of  Israel  is 

the  only  holy  One. 

42  They  did  not  call  to  mind  his  pow'r, 

nor  yet  the  day  when  he 
Delivered  them  out  of  the  hand 
of  their  fierce  enemy. 

43  Nor  how  great  signs  in  Egypt  land 

he  openly  had  wrought ; 
What  miracles  in  Zoan's  field 
his  hand  to  pass  had  brought. 

44  How  lakes  and  rivers  every  where 

he  turned  into  blood  : 
So  that  no  man  nor  beast  could  drink 
of  standing  lake  or  flood. 

45  He  brought  among  them  swarms  of  flies 

which  did  them  sore  annoy  ; 
And  divers  kinds  of  filthy  frogs 
he  sent  them  to  destroy 

46  He  to  the  caterpillar  gave 
the  fruits  of  all  their  soil  ; 

Their  labours  he  deliverd  up 
unto  the  locusts'  spoil. 

47  Their  vines  with  hail,  their  sycamores 
he  with  the  frost  did  blast* 


204>  PSALM  LXXYHI. 

48  Their  beasts  to  hail  he  gave,  their  flocks 

hot  thunder-bolts  did  waste. 

49  Fierce  burning  wrath  he  on  them  cast, 

and  indignation  strong, 
And  troubles  sore,  by  sending  forth 
ill  angels  them  among. 

50  He  to  his  wrath  made  way  :  their  soul 

from  death  he  did  not  save  ; 
But  over  to  the  pestilence 
the  lives  of  them  he  gave. 

51  In  Egypt  land  the  first-born  all 

he  smote  down  every  where  ; 
Among  the  tents  of  Ham,  ev'n  these 
chief  of  their  strength  that  were. 

52  But  his  own  people  like  to  sheep, 

thence  to  go  forth  he  made  ; 
And,  he  amidst  the  wilderness, 
them,  as  a  flock,  did  lead. 

53  And  he  them  safely  on  did  lead, 

so  that  they  did  not  fear  : 
Whereas  their  eirmies  by  the  sea 
quite  overwhelmed  were. 

54  To  borders  of  his  sanctuary 

the  Lord  his  people  led, 
Ev'n  to  the  mount,  which  his  right  hand 
for  them  had  purchased. 

55  Tie  nations  of  Canaan, 

by  his  almighty  hand, 
Before  their  face  he  did  expel 

out  of  their  native  land  : 
Which  for  inheritance  to  them 

by  line  he  did  divide, 
And  made  the  tribes  of  Israel 

within  their  tents  abide. 


PSALM   LXXVIII.  2<y$' 

5*6  Yet  God  most  high  they  did  provoke, 
and  tempted  ever  still, 
And  to  observe  his  testimonies 
did  not  incline  their  will. 

57  But  like  their  fathers  turned  back. 

and  dealt  unfaithfully  : 
Aside  they  turned,  like  a  boy 
that  shoots  deceitfully. 

58  For  they  to  anger  did  provoke 

him  with  their  places  high  5 
And  with  their  graven  imager 
mov'd  him  to  jealousy, 

59  When  God  heard  this,  he  waxed  wroth, 

and  much  loth'd  Isr'el  then  : 

60  So  Shiloh's  tent  he  left,  the  tent 

which  he  had  plac'd  with  men  : 

61  And  he  his  strength  delivered 

into  captivity  : 
He  left  his  glory  in  the  hand 
of  his  proud  enemy. 

62  His  people  also  he  gave  o?er 

unto  the  sword's  fierce  rage  : 
So  sore  his  wrath  inflamed  was 
against  his  heritage. 

63  The  fire  consumed  their  choice  young  men ; 

their  maids  no  marriage  had  : 

64  And  when  their  priests  fell  by  the  sword. 

their  wives  no  mourning  made. 

65  But  then  the  Lord  arose,  as  one 

that  doth  from  sleep  awake  ; 
And  like  a  giant,  that  by  wine 
refresh'd,  a  shout  doth  make. 

66  Upon  his  enemies'  hinder  parts 

lie  made  his  stroke  to  fall, 
S 


"*>6  PSALM   LXXIX. 

And  so  upon  them  he  did  put 
a  shame  perpetual. 

67  Moreover,  he  the  tabernacle 

of  Joseph  did  refuse  ; 
The  mighty  tribe  of  Ephraim 
he  would  in  no  wise  chuse. 

68  But  he  did  chuse  Jehudah's  tribe 

to  be  the  rest  above ; 
And  of  mount  Zion  he  made  choice,, 
which  he  so  much  did  love. 

69  And  he  his  sanctuary  built 

like  to  a  palace  high  : 
Like  to  the  earth  which  he  did  found 
to  perpetuity. 

70  Of  David,  that  his  servant  was, 

he  also  choice  did  make  ; 
And  even  from  the  folds  of  sheep, 
was  pleased  him  to  take. 

71  From  waiting  on  the  ewes  with  young, 

he  brought  him  forth  to  feed 
Israel  his  inheritance, 
his  people,  Jacob's  seed< 

72  So  after  the  integrity 

he  of  his  heart  them  fed  ; 
And  by  the  good  skill  of  his  hands 
them  wisely  governed. 

PSALM  LXXIX. 

A  Psalm  of  Asaph. 

This  Psalm  relates  to  the  havock  made,  of  thc«Jewish 
capital  and  nation,  by  the  Chaldeans  and  Syro-grecians, 
as  typical  of  the  afflictions  of  the  gospel  church.  Ob- 
serve, (1)  How  deplorable  the  condition  of  these  people 
of  God   was,   when  their  enemies  raged  against  their 


PSALM   LXXIX.  20.7 

dwellings,  persons,  and  characters ;  and  their  God  him- 
self long  continued  the  tokens  of  his  just  displeasure ; 
ver.  1 — 5.  (2)  Their  humble,  but  fervent  supplications, 
for  the  just  punishment  of  their  heathen  enemies;  and 
for  divine  pity,  pardon,  and  help  to  themselves  ;  ver.  6— ~ 
12.  (3)  The  pleas  wherewith  they  enforce  their  requests, 
viz.  God's  relation  to  them,  as  their  God  apd  shepherd  ; 
and  the  tendency  of  what  they  asked  to  promote  the  ck> 
claritive  glory  of  his  name  ;  ver.  1,  6,  9,   10,    13. 

While  I  sing,  let  my  soul  have  a  deep  sympathy  with 
the  afflicted  members  of  Christ :  Let  me  bless  his  holy 
name,  that  I  am  not  in  similar  circumstances.  Let  me 
lay  before  the  Lord  the  spiritual  injuries  which  Satan  and 
my  lusts  have  done  to  my  soul,  and  to  the  church  of 
God  ;  and  let  me  cry  bitterly  for  his  merciful  rising  Up 
to  destroy  them,  and  to  shew  me  his  salvation. 

OGod,  the  heathen  entered  have 
thine  heritage  ;  by  them 
Defiled  is  thy  house  ;  on  heaps 
they  laid  Jerusalem. 

2  The  bodies  of  thy  servants  they 

have  east  forth  to  be  meat 
To  rav'nous  fowls,  thy  dear  saints'  flesh 
they  gave  to  beasts  to  eat. 

3  Their  blood  about  Jerusalem 

like  water  they  have  shed  : 
And  there  was  none  to  bury  them 

when  they  were  slain  and  dead. 
4?  Unto  our  neighbours  a  reproach 

most  base  become  are  we  : 
A  scorn  and  laughing-stock  to  them 

that  round  about  us  be. 

5  How  long,  Lord,  shall  thine  anger  last  ?    . 
wilt  thou  still  keep  the  same  ? 
And  shall  thy  fervent  jealousy- 
burn  like  unto  a  flame  ? 


208  PSALM   LXXIX. 

6  On  heathen  pour  thy  fury  forth, 

that  have  thee  never  known, 
And  on  those  kingdoms  which  thy  name 
have  never  call'd  upon. 

7  For  these  are  they  who  Jacob  have 

devoured  cruelly  ; 
And  they  his  habitation 
have  caused  waste  to  lie. 

8  Against  us  mind  not  former  sins  ; 

thy  tender  mercies  show  : 
Let  them  prevent  us  speedily, 
for  we're  brought  very  low. 

&  For  thy  name's  glory,  help  usy  Lord, 
who  hast  our  saviour  been  : 
Deliver  us  for  thy  name's  sake, 
O  purge  away  our  sin. 
10  Why  say  the  heathen,  where's  their  God? 
let  him  to  them  be  known, 
When  those  who  shed  thy  servants'  blood 
are  in  our  sight  overthrown. 

i  i  0  let  the  prisoner's  sighs  ascend 
before  thy  sight  on  high  : 
Preserve  those  in  thy  mighty  pow'r, 
that  are  design' d  to  die.. 
i&  And  to  our  neighbours'  bosom  cause 
it  sev'nfold  render'd  be, 
Ev'n  the  reproach  wherewith  they  have, 
0  Lord,  reproached  thee. 

13  So  we  thy  folk,  and  pasture  sheep, 
shall  give  thee  thanks  always  ; 
And  unto  generations  all 

we  will  shew  forth  thy  praise. 


(     209     ) 

PSALM  LXXX. 

To  the  chief  Musician^  upon  Shoshannim  EbufH, 
A  Psalm  of  Asaph. 

This  Psalm  relates  to  the  distressed  condition  of  the 
Hebrew  church  and  nation,  perhaps  during  the  Syrian, 
Assyrian,  or  Chaldean  invasions  ;  2  Kings  xii.  xiii.  xv. 
xvii.  xviii.  xix.  xxiv.  xxv.  Here  are,  (1)  Earnest  sup- 
plications for  God's  special  presence  and  favour  ;  ver.  1 
— 3,  7,  19.  (2)  Mournful  complaints  of  the  lasting  ap- 
pearances of  God's  anger  ;  of  the  overflowings  of  their 
grief;  of  abuse  and  derision  by  their  neighbours  ;  and  of 
the  unhinging  of  their  constitution,  which  God  himself 
had  fixed,  when  he  brought  them  out  of  Egypt ;  ver.  4 
— 13.  (3)  Further  supplications,  that  God  would  con- 
sider and  pity  his  vineyard,  their  church  and  nation  ;  as- 
sist their  king,  his  vine-dresser ;  and  convert  them  to, 
and  quicken  them  in,  his  service  ;  ver.  14 — 19. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  be  affected  with  the  distresses  of 
God's  church.  Let  me  pant  for  the  fullest  manifestations 
of  his  glory,  and  the  blessings  of  his  presence.  Let  me 
insist,  that  his  spirit  may  glorify  Jesus  Christ,  the  great. 
Man  of  his  right  hand,  in  taking  what  is  his,  and  shew- 
ing it  unto  me. 

%   TEAR,  Isr'ePs  shepherd  !  like  a  flock 
|  1    thou  that  dost  Joseph  guide  ; 
Shine  forth,  O  thou  that  dost  between^ 
the  cherubims  abide. 

2  In  Ephraim's  and  Benjamin's, 

and  in  Manasseh's  sight, 
O  come  for  our  salvation  ; 

stir  up  thy  strength  and  might. 

3  Turn  us  again,  O  Lord  our  God, 

and  upon  us  vouchsafe 
To  make  thy  countenance  to  shin©), 
and  so  we  shall  be  safe. 
4*  0  Lord  of  hosts,  almighty  God, 
how  long  shall  kindled  bA 

S2 


210  PSALM    LXXX, 

Thy  wrath  against  the  prayer  made 
by  thine  own  folk  to  thee  ? 
3  Thou  tears  of  sorrow  giv'st  to  them 
instead  of  bread  to  eat  : 
Yea,  tears  instead  of  drink  thou  giv'st 
to  them  in  measure  great. 
6.  Thou  makest  us  a  strife  unto 
our  neighbours  round  about .. 
Our  enemies  among  themselves 
at  us  do  laugh  and  flout. 

7  Turn  us  again,  O  God  of  hosts, 
and  upon  us  vouchsafe 
To  make  thy  countenance  to  shine, 
and  so  we  shall  be  safe. 
8-  A  vine  from  Egypt  brought  thou  hast, 
by  thine  out- stretched  hand  : 
And  thou  the  heathen  out  didst  cast, 
to  plant  it  in  their  land. 

9  Before  it  thou  a  room  didst  make, 

where  it  might  grow  and  stand ; 
Thou  causedst  it  deep  root  to  take, 
and  it  did  fill  the  land. 

10  The  mountains  vaiPd  were  with  it  snafe, 

as  with  a  covering  ; 
Like  goodly  cedars  were  the  boughs    , 
which  out  from  it  did  spring. 

11  Upon  the  one  hand,  to  the  sea 

her  boughs  she  did  out  send  ; 
On  th'  other  side,  unto  the  flood, 
her  branches  did  extend. 
%2  Why  bast  tliou  then  thus  broken  do w% 
and  ta'en  her  hedge  away  ? 
So  that  all  passengers  do  pluck 
and  nrake  of  her  a  prey. 


PSALM    LXXXL  2fl 

18  The  boar  who  from  the  forest  comes? 
doth  waste  it  at  his  pleasure  ; 
The  wild  beast  of  the  field  also 
devours  it  out  of  measure. 
•14  O  God  of  hosts  we  thee  beseech, 
return  thou  unto  thine  : 
Look  down  from  heav'n  in  love,  behold 
and  visit  this  thy  vine  ; 

15  This  vineyard  which  thine  own  right  hand 

hath  planted  us  among. 
And  that  same  branch,  which  for  thyself 
thou  hast  made  to  be  strong. 

16  Burnt  up  it  is  with  flaming  fire, 

it  also  is  cut  down  : 
They  utterly  are  perished, 
when  as  thy  face  doth  frown. 

17  O  let  thy  hand  be  still  upon 

the  Man  of  thy  right  hand, 
The  son  of  man  whom  for  thyself 
thou  madest  strong  to  stand. 

18  So  henceforth  we  will  not  go  back, 

nor  turn  from  thee  at  all : 
O  do  thou  quicken  us,  and  we 
upon  thy  name  will  call. 

19  Turn  us  again,  Lord  God  of  hosts, 

and  upon  us  vouchsafe 
To  make  thy  countenance  to  shine, 
and  so  we  shall  be  safe. 

PSALM  LXXXL 

To  the  chief  Musician  ufion  GirrifH,  A  Psahn  of 
Asaph, 

This  Psalm  was  probably  composed  for  the  feast  of 
trumpets,  on  the  first  day  of  the  seventh  month ;  Lev? 


:2\2  PSALM   LXXXI. 

xxiii.  24.  Here  arer  (1)  Solemn  exhortations  to  prafse 
God  for  what  he  is  to  his  people  ;  and  for  what  he  hath 
done  for  them;  ver.  1 — 7.  (2)  Instructions  concerning 
God's  new  covenant  grant  of  himself  and  his  benefits  to 
men;  their  ungrateful  refusal  thereof ;  and  the  misery 
they  incur,  and  happiness  they  lose  thereby  ;  ver.  8 — 16. 
While  I  sing,  let  my  soul  consider  what  God  is  to, 
hath  done  for,  and  given  to  men — to  me  :  and  let  all  my 
inward  powers  stedfastly  believe  his  declarations,  and  ea- 
gerly embrace  his  offers.  Let  my  heart  be  filled  with 
grief,  that  ever  I  refused  to  hear  my  own  gracious  God 
speaking  from  heaven,  and  offering  to  me  all  the  un- 
searchable riches  of  Christ. 

SING  loud  to  God  our  strength  :  with  joy 
to  Jacob's  God  do  sing. 

2  Take  up  a  psalm,  the  pleasant  harp, 

timbrel  and  psalt'ry  bring. 

3  Blow  trumpets  at  new  moon,  what  day 

our  feast  appointed  is  : 

4  For  charge  to  Israel  and  a  law 

of  Jacob's  God  was  this. 

5  To  Joseph  this  a  testimony 

he  made,  when  Egypt  land 
He  travelled  through,  where  speech  I  heard 
I  did  not  understand. 

6  His  shoulder  I  from  burdens  took,  ■ 

his  hands  from  pots  did  free. 

7  Thou  didst  in  trouble  on  me  call, 

and  I  delivered  thee  i 
In  secret  place  of  thundering 

I  thee  did  answer  make  ; 
And  at  the  streams  of  Meribah 

of  thee  a  proof  did  take. 
S  O  thou  my  people,  give  an  ear, 

I'll  testify  to  thee  : 
To  thee,  O  Isr'el,  if  thou  Wilt 

•but  harken  unto  ine 


PSALM    LXXXII. 


21 


0  In  midst  of  thee  there  shall  not  be 
any  strange  god  at  all ; 
Nor  unto  any  god  unknown 
thou  bowing  down  shalt  fall. 

10  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  did 

from  Egypt  land  thee  guide  i 
I'll  fill  thy  mouth  abundantly, 
do  thou  it  open  wide. 

1 1  But  yet  my  people  to  my  voice 

Would  not  attentive  be  : 
And  ev'n  my  chosen  Israel 
he  would  have  none  of  me. 

12  So  to  the  lust  of  their  own  heart* 

I  them  delivered  i 
And  then  in  counsels  of  their  own 
they  vainly  wandered. 

13  0  that  my  people  had  me  heard, 

Israel  my  ways  had  chose  ! 

14  I  had  their  en'mies  soon  subdu'd  ? 

my  hand  turn'd  on  their  foes. 

15  The  haters  of  the  Lord  to  him 

submission  should  have  feis;nM  " 
But  as  for  them,  their  time  should  hav^> 
for  evermore  remain'd. 

16  He  should  have  also  fed  them  with 

the  finest  of  the  wheat  : 
Of  honey  from  the  rock,  thy  fill 
I  should  have  made  thee  eat. 

PSALM  LXXXIL 

A  Psalm  of  Asaph. 

This  Psalm  was  probably  penned  for  the  direction  and 
warning  of  the  Jewish  courts  of  judicature.  It  repre- 
sents,  ( l )  The  dignity  of  magistrates,  and  their  depeiv 


^14  PSALM    LXXXU.     • 

dance  on  God  as  their  sovereign  governor  and  judge  j 
ver.  1,  6.  (2)  Their  duty;  ver.  3,  4.  (3)  Their 'too 
frequent  degeneracy  and  mischievousness,  and  the  just 
punishment  thereof;  ver.  2,  5,  7.  (4}  The  saint's  re- 
quest for  the  establishment  of  God's  kingdom  in  the 
world  ;  ver.  8. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  stand  in  awe  of  Jehovah's  au- 
thority and  presence.  Let  me  remember  I  must  be  an- 
swerable to  him  for  all  my  conduct.  Let  me  be  affected 
with  my  meanness  and  corruption.  Let  me  revere  ma- 
gistrates as  the  deputies  of  God  on  earth.  And  in  every 
station  in  which  God  hath  placed  me  let  my  care  be,  in 
all  things  to  live  honestly,  and  to  cry  mightily  that  the 
kingdoms  of  this  world  may  quickly  be  made  the  king- 
doms of  my  Lord  and  of  his  Christ. 

IN  gods'  assembly  God  doth  stand  : 
he  judgeth  gods  among. 

2  How  long  accepting  persons  vile? 

will  ye  give  judgment  wrong? 

3  Defend  the  poor  and  fatherless  ; 

to  poor  oppressed  do  right. 
4*  The  poor  and  needy  ones  set  free  f 
rid  them  from  ill  men's  might. 

£  They  know  not,  nor  will  understand  ; 

in  darkness  they  walk  on  ; 
All  the  foundations  of  the  earth 

out  of  their  course  are  gone, 
f)  I  said  that  you  are  gods,  and  are 

sons  of  the  Highest  all  : 

7  But  ye  shall  die  like  men,  and  as^      ? 

one  of  the  princes  fall. 

8  O  God,  do  thou  raise  up  thyself, 

the  earth  to  judgment  call ; 

For  thou,  as  thine  inheritance, 

ehalt  take  the  nations  alL. 


(     215     ) 

PSALM  LXXXIEL 

A  Song'  or  Psalm  of  Asaph. 

This  Psalm  relates  to  some  combination  of  the  heathens 
around,  against  the  Hebrews,  either  in  the  days  of  Da- 
vid, 2  Sam.  viii.  or  x.  or  of  Jehoshaphat,  2  Chron.  xx. 
And  contains,  (l)  A  solemn  remonstrance  to  God,  con- 
cerning their  malicious  designs  against  his  church  and 
honour ;  ver.  1 — 8  (2)  Fervent  supplications  to  God  that 
he  would  defeat  these  attempts  ;  protect  and  preserve  his 
church  ;  humble  his  enemies,  and  glorify  himself  in  the 
world  ;  ver.  9 — 18. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  be  affected  with  the  inward  com- 
binations of  my  own  lusts  with  Satan  and  the  world,  and 
with  the  joint  endeavours  of  open  enemies  and  naughty 
professors,  against  the  church  and  interests  of  Christ ; 
and  commit  the  cause  to  God  who  judgeth  righteously. 

KEEP  not,  O  God,  we  tliec  intreat, 
O  keep  not  silence  now  : 
Do  thou  not  hold  thy  peace,  O  God, 
and  still  no  more  be  thou. 

2  For  lo,  thine  enemies  a  noise, 

tumultuously  have  made  : 
And-they  that  haters  are  of  thee,, 
have  lifted  up  the  head. 

3  Against  thy  chosen  people  they 

do  crafty  counsel  take  ; 
And  they  against  thy  hidden  ones 
do  consultation  make. 

4  Come,  let  us  cut  them  off,  said  they, 

from  being  a  nation  : 
That  of  the  name  of  Israel  may 
no  more  be  mention. 

5  For  with  joint  heart  they  plot,  in  league 

against  thee  they  combine. 
(TThe  tents  of  Edom,  Ishnuvlites, 
Moab's  and  Hagar's  line. 


218-  PSALM   LXXXIV. 

7  Gebal,  and  Amnion,  Amalek, 

Philistines,  those  of  Tyre  ; 

8  And  Assur  join'd  with  them ;  to  heljj 

Lot's  children  they  conspire, 

9  Do  to  them  as  to  Midian, 

Jabin  at  Kison  strand ; 

10  And  Sis'ra,  which  at  Endor  fell, 

as  dung  to  fat  the  land, 

11  Like  Oreb  and  like  Zeeb  make 

their  noble  men  to  fall ; 
Like  Zeba  and  Zalmunna-like, 
make  thou  their  princes  all : 

IS  Who  said,  for  our  possession 
let  us  God's  houses  take. 

13  My  God,  them  like  a  wheel,  as  chaff 

before  the  wind,  them  make. 

14  As  fire  consumes  the  wood,  as  flame 

doth  mountains  set  on  fire, 

15  Chase  and  affright  them  with  the  storm 

and  tempest  of  thine  ire. 

16  Their  faces  fill  with  shame,  O  Lord, 

that  they  may  seek  thy  name. 

17  Let  them  confounded  be,  and  vex'd, 

and  perish  in  their  shame  : 

18  That  men  may  know,  that  thou  to  whom 

alone  doth  appertain 
The  name  Jehovah,  dost  most  high 
o'er  all  the  earth  remain. 

PSALM  LXXXIV. 

To  the  chief  Musician^  ufion  Gittith.    A  Psalm  for  fihe 
sons  of  Korah. 

This  Psalm  is  much  like  the  27th,  42d,  43d,  and  63d, 
and  may  have  been  composed  on  the  same  occasion  with 


PSALM   LXXXIV.  ZJSt 

the  former,  when  David  was  banished  from  Jerusalem 
by  Absalom  his  son  ;  2  Sam.  xv.  xvi.  We  have  here, 
(1)  David's  ardent  affection  towards  the  public  ordinan- 
ces of  God,  and  sense  of  their  happiness  who  enjoyed 
them;  ver.  I — 7,  10.  (2)  His  heart-burning  desire  to 
the  God  of  ordinances  ;  ver.  8,  9.  (3)  His  assured  faith 
of  God's  kindness,  and  persuasion  of  the  happiness  of 
such  as  trust  in  him  ;  ver.  11,   12. 

So  let  my  heart  cry  .out  for  God,  the  living  God.  So 
let  me  covet  earnestly  intimate  fellowship  with  him  in  his 
ordinances.  So  let  me  praise  his  name,  and  hold  on  in 
his  way,  till  I  arrive  at  the  Zion  above.  So  let  God  be 
my  friend,  my  protector,  my  supplier,  my  store,  and  the 
everlasting"  rock  of  my  rest. 

HOW  lovely  is  thy  dwelling-place, 
O  Lord  of  hosts,  to  me  ! 
The  tabernacles  of  thy  grace, 
how  pleasant,  Lord,  they  be  ! 
S  My  thirsty  soul  longs  vehemently, 
yea,  faints  thy  courts  to  see  : 
My  very  heart  and  flesh  cry  out, 
O  living  God,  for  thee. 

3  Behold  the  sparrow,  findeth  out 

an  house  wherein  to  rest ; 
The  swallow  also  for  herself 

hath  purchased  a  nest ; 
Ev'n  thine  own  altars,*  where  she  saip 

her  young  ones  forth  may  bring  ; 

*  To  me,  it  is  inconceivable,  how  sparrows  or  swal- 
lows could  fix  their  nests  in  the  altars  of  Qod,  which 
were  of  brass  or  rough  stones,  and  had  a  fire  perpetually 
burning  upon  them,  and  multitudes  of  Priests  and  Le- 
vites  crouding  around  them.  God  did  not  allow  of  any 
trees  to  be  planted  near  them.  I  cannot  believe  God's 
tabernacle  or  temple  was  polluted  with  the  nests  and  or- 
dure of  birds,  in  the  manner  of  our  ruinous  churcnes, 
Nor,  can  I  see  this  idea  answerable  to  the  context,  or 
scope  of  the  psalm.     Might  not  the  verse  be  rather  tranc  - 

T 


218  PSALM    LXXXIW 

O  thou  almighty  Lord  of  hosts, 
who  art  my  God  and  King. 

4  Bless'd  are  they  in  thy  house  that  dwell, 

they  ever  give  thee  praise. 

5  Blest  is  the  man  whose  strength  thou  art, 

in  whose  heart  are  thy  ways. 

6  Who  passing  through  Baca?s  vale, 

therein  do  dig  up  wells  ; 
Also  the  rain  that  falleth  down 
the  pools  with  water  fills. 

y  So  they  from  strength  unwearied  go 

still  forward  unto  strength, 
Until  in  Zion  they  appear 

before  the  Lord  at  length. 
S  Lord  God  of  hosts,  my  prayer  hear  : 

O  Jacob's  God  give  ear. 

9  See,  God,  our  Shield,  look  on  the  face 

of  thine  anointed  dear. 

10  For  in  thy  courts  one  day  excels 

a  thousand  :   rather  in 
My  God's  house  will  I  keep  a  door, 
than  dwell  in  tents  of  sin. 

11  For  God  the  Lord's  a  sun  and  shield  i 

he'll  grace  and  glory  give  : 
And  will  with-hold  no  good  from  them 
that  uprightly  do  live. 

lated,  "  As  the  sparrow  findeth  the  house,  and  the  swal- 
"  low  the  nest  for  herself,  where  she  hath  put  her  young 
«  ones,  my  soul  fmdeth  thine  altars,  O  Lord  of  hosts, 
«  my  King,  and  rny  God  :" — i.  e.  with  inexpressible  ar- 
dor I  long  for,  and  desire  them  ;  and  with  ineffable  plea- 
sure I  approach  them,  in  order  to  intimate  fellowship  with 
my  God. — Compare  ver.  1,  2,  -»1Qj  of  this  psalm,  with 
psalms  xlii.   1,  2. — xliii.  S,  4>. 


PSALM   LXXXV.  214 

IS  O  thou  that  art  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
that  man  is  truly  blest, 
Who  by  assured  confidence, 
on  thee  alone  doth  rest. 

PSALM  LXXXV. 

To  ike  chief  musician.     A  Psalm  for  the  «?o?zs  of  Korai*^ 

This  Psalm  relates  to  some  remarkable  deliverance 
of  the  Jewish  nation  ;  but  whether  that  effected  by  the  ad- 
vancement of  David  to  the  throne,  or  that  from  the  Assyri- 
an invasion,  2  Kings  xix.  or  from  the  Chaldean  captivity, 
Ezra  i.  is  uncertain.  It  contains,  (1)  Thankful  acknow- 
ledgments of  divine  favours  received  ;  ver.  I — 3-,  (2) 
Supplications  that  further  favours  and  deliverances  may 
be  speedily  bestowed ;  ver.  4 — 7.  (3)  Firm  expectations* 
of  a  gracious  answer,  in  the  coming,  mediation,  and 
blessings,  of  the  Messiah  ;  ver.  6 — 13. 

While  1  sing,  let  my  soul  be  affected  with  the  mercies^ 
which  I,  which  my  country,  which  the  church  of  God, 
have  enjoyed.  Let  me  be  thereby  encouraged  to  plead* 
for  more.  And  let  me,  without  doubting,  credit  the 
promises,  and  expect  supply  from  the  fulness  of  Christ.- 

OLORD  thou  hast  been  favourable 
to  thy  beloved  land  : 
Jacob's  captivity  thou  hast 
recalFd  with  mighty  hand.. 

2  Thou  pardoned  thy  people  hast 

all  their  iniquities  ; 
Thou  all  their  trespasses  and  sine 
hast  covered  from  thine  eyes. 

3  Thou  took'st  off  all  thine  ire  and  turn'd'st 

from  thy  wrath* s  furiousness. 

4  Turn  us,  God  of  our  health,  and  cause 

thy  wrath  'gainst  us  to  cease. 

5  Shall  thy  displeasure  thus  endure 

against  us  without  end  ? 


320  PSALM    LXXX\rI. 

Wilt  thou  to  generations  all 
thine  anger  forth  extend  ? 

6  That  in  thee  may  thy  people  joy, 

wilt  thou  not  us  revive  ? 

7  Shew  us  thy  mercy;  Lord,  to  us 

do  thy  salvation  give. 

8  I'll  hear  what  God  the  Lord  will  speak  : 

to  his  folk  he'll  speak  peace, 
And  to  his  saints  ;  but  let  them  not 
return  to  foolishness , 

9  To  them  that  fear  him,  surely  near 

is  his  salvation  ; 
That  glory  in  our  land  may  have 
her  habitation. 
t'O  Truth  met  with  mercy,  righteousness 

and  peace  kiss'd  mutually  : 
1 1  Truth  springs  from  earth,  and  righteousness 
looks  down  from  heaven  high. 

13  Yea,  what  is  good  the  Lord  shall  give  } 
our  land  shall  yield  increase. 

13  Justice  to  set  us  in  his  steps, 
shall  go  before  his  face. 

PSALM  LXXXVL 

A  Prayer  of  Da  vid. 

This  Psalm  contains,  (1)  David's  fervent  supplica- 
tions, that  God  would  hear  his  prayers;  ver.  1,  6,  7. 
mercifully  preserve  and  save  him ;  ver.  2,  3,  16.  afford 
him  joy,  strength,  and  honour;  ver.  4,  11,  17.  (2)  His 
pleas,  wherewith  he  enforceth  his  prayers,  drawn  from 
the  goodness  of  God;  ver.  5,  13,  15.  his  own  relation 
to,  and  trust  in  God;  ver.  2,  4,  16.  his  former  experi- 
ence of  God's  kindness;  ver.  17.  and  from  the  malice 
of  his  enemies ;  ver.  14.  (3)  His  ascription  of  praise  to 
Gbd,  as  matchless  in  his  nature  and  work  ;  as  the  sole 


PSALM   LXXXVI.  ftftft 

object  of  worship  ;  and  as  great  and  infinitely  gracious  ; 
ver.  8,  9,   10,   12,    13. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  remember,  that  the  Psalmist  hath 
left  me  an  example,  that  I  should  walk  in  his  steps. 

OLORD,  do  thou  bow  down  thine  eaj$ 
and  hear  me  graciously ; 
Because  I  sore  afflicted  am, 
and  am  in  poverty. 
&  Because  I'm  holy,  let  my  soul 
by  thee  preserved  be  : 
O  thou  my  God,  thy  servant  save 
that  puts  his  trust  in  thee. 

3  Sith  unto  thee  I  daily  cry, 

be  merciful  to  me  : 

4  Rejoice  thy  servant's  soul ;  for,  Lord, 

I  lift  my  soul  to  thee. 
o  For  thou  art  gracious,  O  Lord, 
and  ready  to  forgive  ; 
And  rich  in  mercy,  all  that  call; 
upon  thee,  to  relieve. 

6  Hear,  Lord,  my  prayer  ;  unto  the  voice 

of  my  request  attend. 

7  In  troublous  times  I'll  call  on  thee  $ 

for  thou  wilt  answer  send. 

8  Lord,  there  is  none  among  the  gods 

that  may  with  thee  compare  ; 
And  like  the  works  which  thou  hast  done^ 
not  any  work  is  there. 

9  All  nations  whom  thou  mad'st,  shall  come 

and  worship  rev'rently 
Before  thy  face  ;  and  they,  O  Lord, 
thy  name  shall  glorify. 

10  Because  thou  art  exceeding  great^ 

and  works  by  thee  are  done 
T  2 


222  PSALIVT  LXXXV1I. 

WJiich  are  to  me  admir'd ;  and  thou 
art  God  thyself  alone. 
11  Teach  me  thy  way,  and  in  thy  truth, 
O  Lord,  then  walk  will  I ; 
Unite  my  heart,  that  I  thy  name 
may  fear  continually. 
i%  O  Lord  my  God,  with  all  my  heart 
to  thee  I  will  give  praise  ; 
And  I  the  glory  will  ascribe 
unto  thy  name  always. 

13  Because  thy  mercy  toward  me 

in  greatness  doth  excel  ; 
And  thou  delivered  hast  my  soul 
out  from  the  lowest  hell. 

14  O  (rod  the  proud  against  me  rise  ; 

and  vi'lent  men  have  met, 
That  for  my  soul  have  sought ;  and  thee 
before  them  have  not  set. 
16  But  thou  art  full  of  pity,  Lord, 
a  God  most  gracious, 
Long-suffering,  and  in  thy  truth 
and  mercy  plenteous. 
t&  O  turn  to  me  thy  countenance, 
and  mercy  on  me  have  : 
Thy  servant  strengthen,  and  the  son 
of  thine  own  hand-maid  save. 
£7  Shew  me  a  sign  for  good,  that  they 
which  do  me  hate  may  see, 
And  be  asham'd  because  thou,  Lordr 
didst  help  and  comfort  me. 

PSALM  LXXXVIL 

A  Psalm  or  Song  for  the  sons  of  Korah. 
f'his  Psabn  is  an  encomium  upon  mount  Zion,  as  typi- 


P  S  AL  M  LXXXVII.  22^ 

cal  of  the  gospel  church,  (1)  For  the  sake  of  the  temple, 
mount  Zion  is  preferred  to  every  other  place  in  Canaan  ; 
as  more  honoured  by  God,  and  more  delighted  in  by  him  ; 
ver.  1 — 3.  (2)  In  respect  of  better  inhabitants,  greater  sta- 
bility, and  more  important  joys  and  blessings,  the  church 
is  preferred  to  all  other  nations;  ver.  4 — 7. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  observe  the  dignity  of  relation 
to  Jehovah  as  my  God.  Let  me  praise  him  for  found- 
ing his  church  on  Jesus  the  unmovable  Rock  of  ages,  that 
the  gates  of  hell  cannot  prevail  against  her.  Let  me  re- 
'  joice  in  the  glorious  promises  made  concerning  her,  and 
supplicate  the  speedy,  the  remarkable  fulfilment  thereof. 
And  while  I  with  joy  draw  water  out  of  her  ordinances, 
her  wells  of  salvation,  let  me  live  as  an  holy,  a  cheerful; 
member  of  her  society. 

UPON  the  hills  of  holiness 
he  his  foundation  sets. 
%  God,  more  than  Jacob's  dwellings  all* 
delights  in  Zion's  gates. 

3  Things  glorious  are  said  of  thee, 

thou  city  of  the  Lord. 

4  Rahab  and  Babel,  I,  to  those 

that  know  me,  will  record. 

Behold  ev'n  Tyrus,  and  with  it 

the  land  of  Palestine, 
And  likewise  Ethiopia  ; 

this  man  was  born  therein* 

5  And  it  of  Zion  shall  be  said, 

this  man  and  that  man  there 
Was  born  ;   and  he  that  is  most  High 
himself  shall  'stablish  her. 

6  When  God  the  people  writes,  he'll  count 

that  this  man  born  was  there. 

7  There  be  that  sing,  and  play  ;  and  all 

my  well-springs  in  thee  are. 


(      224     ) 

PSALM  LXXXVin. 

A  Psalm  or  Song  for  the  sons  of  Koxah,  to  the  chief 
Musician  ufion  MAHALAfH  LeannoTh.  Maschil  of 
He  man  the  EzrahiTe. 

In  this  doleful  Psalm,  after  a  very  short  declaration  of 
his  faith,  we  have,  (l)  Heman's  bitter  wailing  over  his 
distressed  case,  that  his  troubles  were  great  ;  his  body  at 
the  point  of  death ;  his  soul  filled  with  grief ;  his  God 
hiding  and  angry  ;  his  mind  distressed  with  terrors  ;  and 
his  friends  unkind  ver.  3 — 9.  14 — 18.  (2)  His  bitter 
groans  to,  and  expostulations  with  God,  importing  that  he 
had  long  cried  for  mercy,  and  that  in  death  nothing  could 
be  done  for  him,  Sec.  ver.   1,  2,  9, — 14. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  think  how  dreadful  hell  must  be, 
when  even  fatherly  chastisements  are  so  severe;  how 
dreadful  the  enormity  of  sin,  which  provokes  Cod  so 
grievously  to  afRict  his  dearest  favourites  ;  and  how  ne- 
cessary it  is  to  retain  our  faith  of  our  relation  to  God, 
amidst  the  worst  of  troubles. 

LORD  God  my  Saviour,  day  and  night 
before  thee  cry'd  have  I. 
&  Before  thee  let  my  prayer  come, 
give  ear  unto  my  cry. 

3  For  troubles  great  do  fill  my  soul  : 

my  life  draws  nigh  the  grave. 

4  I'm  counted  with  those  that  go  dow* 

to  pitj  and  no  strength  have. 

5  Ev'n  free  among  the  dead,  like  them 

that  sfain  in  grave  do  lie  : 
Cilt  off  from  thy  hand,  whom  no  more 
thou  hast  in  memory. 

6  Thou  hast  me  laid  in  lowest  pit, 

in  deep  and  darksome  caves. 

7  Thy  wrath  lies  hard  on  me,  thou  hast 

me  pressed  with  all  thy  waves. 

8  Thou  hast  put  far  from  me  my  friends^ 

thou  niaa'st  them,  to  abhor  me  > 


PSALM    LXXXVIII.  ^2-5 

And  I  am  so  shut  up  that  I 
find  no  evasion  for  me. 

9  By  reason  of  affliction 

mine  eye  mourns  dolefully  : 
To  thee,  Lord,  do  I  call,  and  stretch 
my  hands  continually. 

10  Wilt  thou  shew  wonders  to  the  dead  ? 

shall  they  rise,  and  thee  bless  ? 

11  Shall  in  the  grave  thy  love  be  told  ? 

in  death  thy  faithfulness  ? 

12  Shall  thy  great  wonders  in  the  darfe- 

or  shall  thy  righteousness 
Be  known  to  any  in  the  land 
of  deep  forgetfnlness  ? 

13  But,  Lord,  to  thee  I  cry'd,  my  prayer 

at  morn  prevent  shall  thee. 

14  Why,  Lord,  dost  thou  cast  off  my  soul  ? 

and  kid'st  thy  face  from  me  ? 
id  Distressed  am  I,  and  from  my  youth. 
I  ready  am  to  die  ; 
Thy  terrors  I  have  borne,  and  am 
distracted  fearfully. 

16  The  dreadful  fierceness  of  thy  wratk 

quite  over  me  doth  go  : 
Thy  terrors  great  have  cut  me  off, 
they  did  pursue  me  so. 

17  For  round  about  me  ev'ry  day 

like  waters  they  did  roll : 

And,  gathering  together,  they 

have  compassed  my  soul. 

18  My  friends  thou  hast  put  far  from  taef 

and  him  that  did  me  love  ; 
And  those  that  mine  acquaintance  wer£ 
to  darkness  didst  remove. 


(     226     ) 

PSALM  LXXXIX, 

Maschil  of  Ethas  the  EzhahiTe.   > 

This  Psalm  was  perhaps  composed  on  the  occasion  6f 
Absalom's  rebellion ;  2  Sam.  xv.  or  of  the  revolt  of  the 
ten  tribes,  from  their  subjection  to  the  family  of  David  ; 
1  Kings  xii.  or  it  relates  to  the  Chaldean  oppression  and 
captivity ;  2  Kings  xxiv.  xxv.  In  the  first  and  joyful 
part,  we  have,  (1)  the  foundation  of  all  comfort,  happi- 
ness, honour,  and  stability,  laid  in  the  mercy  of  God  and 
his  covenant  with  David,  emblematic  of  that  made  with 
Jesus  Christ  for  the  redemption  of  mankind  ;  ver.  1 — 4. 

(2)  A  celebration  of  the  God  of  the  covenant,  in  his 
faithfulness,  glory,  greatness,  mercy,  and  equity  ;  and 
in  his  works  ;  ver.  5 — 14.  And  of  the  glorious  dignity, 
happiness,  and  safety  of  the  covenant  people;  ver.  15 — 18. 

(3)  A  bundle  of  covenant  promises,  securing  proper 
qualifications,  assistance  and  glory  to  the  head  of  the 
covenant ;  and  indefeasible  blessings  to  his  covenant  seed, 
notwithstanding  their  manifold  sins  and  chastisements  ; 
ver.  19* — 37.  In  the  second  and  mournful  part,  we  have> 
(I)  Grievous  lamentation?  over  the  dishonour,  distress, 
and  danger  of  David's  family  ;  ver.  38 — 45.  (2)  Expos- 
tulations with  God,  concerning  the  same,  drawn  from 
the  continuance  of  trouble  ;  the  shortness  of  human  life, 
and  certainty  of  death  ;  the  withdrawment  of  former 
kindness  promised  in  the  covenant ;  and  the  insolent  re- 
proaches of  enemies;  ver.  46 — 51.  (3)  A  triumphant 
conclusion  of  praise  to  God  ;  ver.  52. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  chiefly  keep  mine  eyes  on  David's 
Lord.  Let  me  with  joy  behold  the  covenant  made  with 
him,  for  our  redemption.  Let  me  adore  my  covenant 
God,  as  in  him,  well  pleased  for  his  righteousness  sake, 
and  rendering  him  and  his  seed  most  blessed  for  evermore. 
And  as  Jesus'  sufferings  for  me  purchased  my  eternal 
happiness,  let  never  my  own,  or  the  church's  troubles 
weaken  my  faith,  or  make  me  drop  my  songs  of  praise. 


<K 


OD's  mercies  I  will  ever  sing  : 

and  with  my  mouth  I  shall 
hy  faithfulness  make  to  he  known 
to  generations  all. 


PSALM   LXXXIX.  22?" 

%  For  mercy  shall  be  built,  said  I, 
for  ever  to  endure  : 
Thy  faithfulness  ev'n  in  the  heavens 
thou  wilt  establish  sure. 

3  I  with  my  chosen  One  have  made 

a  covenant  graciously ; 
And  to  my  servant  whom  I  lov'd, 
to  David  sworn  have  I  : 

4  That  I  thy  seed  establish  shall 

for  ever  to  remain  ; 
And  will  to  generations  all 
thy  throne  build  and  maintain. 

5  The  praises  of  thy  wonders,  Lord, 

the  heavens  shall  express  : 
And  in  the  congregation 
of  saints,  thy  faithfulness. 

6  For  who  in  heaven  with  the  Lord 

may  once  himself  compare  ? 
Who  is  like  God  among  the  sons 
of  those  that  mighty  are  ? 

7  Great  fear  in  meeting  of  the  saints 

is  due  unto  the  Lord  : 
And  he,  of  all  about  him  should 
with  reverence  be  ador'd. 
■8  O  thou  that  art  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
what  Lord  in  mightiness 
Is  like  to  thee,  who  compassed  round 
art  with  thy  faithfulness  ? 
9  Ev'n  in  the  raging  of  the  sea 
thou  over  it  dost  reign  : 
And  when  the  waves  thereof  do  swell, 
,      thou  stillest  them  again. 
30  Rahab  in  pieces  thou  didst  break, 
like  one  that  slaughtered  is  : 


223  PSALM   LXXXIX. 

And  with  thy  mighty  arm  thou  hast 
dispers'd  thine  enemies. 
11  The  heavens  are  thine,  thou  for  thine  owe 
the  earth  dost  also  take  : 
The  world,  and  fulness  of  the  same, 
thy  pow'r  did  found  and  make. 
i2  The  north  and  south  from  thee  alone 
their  first  beginning  had  : 
Both  Tabor  mount  and  Hermon  hill 
shall  in  thy  name  be  glad. 

13  Thou  hast  an  arm  that's  full  of  pow'r, 

thy  hand  is  great  in  might : 
And  thy  right  hand  exceedingly 
exalted  is  in  height. 

14  Justice  and  judgment  of  thy  throne 

are  made  the  dwelling-place  : 
Mercy,  accompany'd  with  truth, 
shall  go  before  thy  face. 

15  O  greatly  bless'd  the  people  arc 

the  joyful  sound  that  know  : 
In  brightness  of  thy  face,  O  Lord, 
they  ever  on  shall  go. 

16  They  in  thy  name  shall  all  the  day 

rejoice  exceedingly  : 
And  in  thy  righteousness  shall  they 
exalted  be  on  high. 

17  Because  the  glory  of  their  strength 

doth  only  stand  in  thee  : 
And  in  thy  favour  shall  our  horn 
and  pow'r  exalted  be. 

18  For  God  is  our  defence,  and  he 

to  us  doth  safety  bring  : 
The  holy  One  of  Israel 
i3*our  almighty  King, 


PSALM    LXXXIX. 

IS  In  vision  to  thy  holy  One, 
thou  saidst,  I  help  upon 
A  strong  one  laid  ;  out  of  the  folk 
I  rais'd  a  chosen  one. 

20  Ev?n  David,  I  have  found  him  out 

a  servant  unto  me  : 
And,  with  my  holy  oil,  my  king 
anointed  him  to  be. 

21  With  whom  my  hand  shall  ?stablish?d  be 

mine  arm  shall  make  him  strong. 

22  On  him  the  foe  shall  not  exact, 

nor  son  of  mischief  wrong. 

23  I  will  beat  down  before  his  face 

all  his  malicious  foes  ; 
I  will  them  greatly  plague,  who  do 
with  hatred  him  oppose. 

24  My  mercy  and  my  faithfulness 

with  him  yet  still  shall  be  : 
And  in  my  name  his  horn  and  pow'r 
men  shall  exalted  see. 

25  His  hand  and  pow'r  shall  reach  afar, 

I'll  set  it  in  the  sea  ; 
And  his  right  hand  established 
shall  in  the  rivers  be. 

26  Thou  art  my  Father,  he  shall  cry, 

thou  art  my  God  alone  ; 
And  he  shall  say,  thou  art  the  Rock 
of  my  salvation, 

27  I'll  make  him  my  first-born  more  high 

than  kings  of  any  land. 

28  My  love  Til  ever  keep  for  him, 

my  covenant  fast  shall  stand. 

29  His  seed  I  by  my  pow'r  will  make 

for  ever  to  endure ; 
V 


250  PSALM   LXXXIX. 

And,  as  the  days  of  heav'n,  his  throne- 
shall  stable  be  and  sure. 

30  But  if  his  children  shall  forsake 

my  laws,  and  go  astray, 
And  in  my  judgments  shall  not  walk, 
but  wander  from  my  way  ; 

31  If  they  my  laws  break,  and  do  not 

keep  my  commandements  ; 

32  I'll  visit  then  their  faults  with  rods, 

their  sins  with  chastisements. 

33  Yet  I'll  not  take  my  love  from  him, 

nor  false  my  promise  make. 

34  My  covenant  I'll  not  break,  nor  change, 

what  with  my  mouth  I  spake. 

35  Once  by  my  holiness  I  sware, 

to  David  I'll  not  lie  : 

36  His  seed  and  throne  shall  as  the  sup, 

before  me  last  for  aye. 

37  It,  like  the  moon,  shall  ever  be 

establish'd  stedfastly  ; 
And  like  to  that  which  in  the  heav'n 
doth  witness  faithfully. 

38  But  thou,  displeased,  hast  cast  off, 

thou  didst  abhor  and  lothe  ; 

With  him  that  thine  anointed  is, 

thou  hast  been  very  wroth. 

39  Thou  hast  thy  servant's  covenant 

made  void,  and  quite  cast  by  ; 
Thou  hast  profan'd  his  crown,  while  it 
cast  on  the  ground  doth  lie. 

40  Thou  all  his  hedges  hast  broke  down, 

his  strong  holds  down  hast  torn. 

41  He  to  all  passers-by  a  spoil^ 

to  neighbours  is  a  scorn. 


PSALM    LXXXIX.  231 

42  Thou  hast  set  up  his  foes'  right  hand, 

mad'st  all  his  en'mies  glad  : 

43  Turn'd  his  sword's  edge,  and  him  to  stand 

in  battle  hast  not  made. 

44  His  glory  thou  hast  made  to  cease, 

his  throne  to  ground  down  cast : 

45  Shortened  his  days  of  youth,  and  him 

with  shame  thou  covered  hast, 

46  How  long,  Lord,  wilt  thou  hide  thyself 

for  ever  in  thine  ire  ? 
And  shall  thine  indignation 
burn  like  unto  a  fire  ? 

47  Remember,  Lord,  how  short  a  time 

I  shall  on  earth  remain  : 
O  wherefore  is  it  so  that  thou 
hast  made  all  men  in  vain  ? 

48  What  man  is  he  that  liveth  here, 

and  death  shall  never  see  ? 
Or  from  the  pewer  of  the  grave 
what  man  his  soul  shall  free  ? 

49  Thy  former  loving-kindnesses, 

O  Lord,  where  be  they  now  ? 
These  which  in  truth  and  faithfulness 
to  David  sworn  hast  thou. 

50  Mind,  Lord,  thy  servant's  sad  reproach  .; 

how  I  in  bosom  bear 
The  scornings  of  the  people  all, 
who  strong  and  mighty  are. 

51  Wherewith  thy  raging  enemies 

reproach'd,  O  Lord,  think  on  ; 
Wherewith  they  have  reproach'd  the  steps 
of  thine  anointed  One. 

52  All  blessings  to  the  Lord  our  God 

let  be  ascribed  then  ; 


5r5  psalm  xc. 

For  evermore  so  let  it  be. 
Amen,  yea,  and  amen. 

PSALM  XC. 

A  prayer  of  Moses,  the  man  of  God. 

This  Psalm  was  composed  by  Moses,  the  man  of  God, 
some  time  after  God  had  sentenced  the  Hebrews  to  wan- 
dering and  death  in  the  wilderness;  Num.  xiv.  In  it, 
(1)  Moses  comforts  himself,  and  his  people,  with  the 
eternal  and  unchangeable  duration  of  God  himself,  and 
their  interest  in  him;  ver.  1,  2.  (2)  He  humbles  him- 
self and  his  people  with  the  consideration  of  human  frail* 
ty ;  ver.  3 — 6.  (3)  He  submits  himself  and  his  people 
to  the  righteous  sentence  of  God  passed  upon  them ; 
ver.  7 — 11.  (4)  By  prayer  he  commits  himself  and  his 
people  to  their  gracious  and*  merciful  God  :  and  requests 
the  sanctified  use  of  their  awful  chastisements;  the 
averting  of  divine  wrath,  the  bestowal  of  true  comforts 
anfcl  joys  ;  the  returns  of  his  favour,  and  the  progress  of 
his  work  of  mercy  among  their  children  ;  ver.  12 — 17. 

Let  me  sing  this  as  the  tenant  of  an  hour,  who  hath 
none  assurance  of  his  present  life  :  Sing  it  as  resigned 
to  my  lot  on  earth,  however  afflicted  ;  as  active  in  prepa- 
ration for  death  ;  and  committing  myself  and  family  to 
the  God  of  truth  as  our  Redeemer,  our  God,  and  our 
everlasting  all. 


ORD  thou  hast  been  our  dwelling-place 


in  generations  all. 

2  .Before  thou  ever  hadst  brought  forth 

the  mountains  great  or  small  : 
Ere  ever  thou  hadst  form'd  the  earth, 

and  all  the  world  abroad, 
Ev'n  thou  from  everlasting  art 

to  everlasting  God. 

3  Thou  dost  unto  destruction 

man  that  is  mortal  turn  : 


PSALM    XC.  33* 

And  unto  them  thou  say'st  again, 

ye  sons  of  men,  return. 
4<  Because  a  thousand  years  appear 

no  more  before  thy  sight 
Than  yesterday,  when  it  is  past, 

or  than  a  watch  by  night. 

5  As  with  an  overflowing  flood 

thou  carriest  them  away  : 
They  like  a  sleep  are  ;  like  the  grass 
that  grows  at  morn  are  they. 

6  At  morn  it  flourishes  and  grows, 

cut  down  at  ev'n  doth  fade. 

7  For  by  thine  anger  we're  consumed, 

thy  wrath  makes  us  afraid. 

8  Our  sins,  thou,  and  iniquities, 

dost  in  thy  presence  place, 
And  sett'st  our  secret  faults  before 
the  brightness  of  thy  face, 

9  For  in  thine  ansrer  all  our  davs 

do  pass  on  to  an  end  ; 
And  as  a  tale  that  hath  been  told, 
so  Ave  our  years  do  spend. 

10  Threescore  and  tm  years  do  sum  up 

our  days  and  years,  we  see  : 
Or,  if  by  reason  of  more  strength, 

in  soim>  fourscore  they  be  : 
Yet  doth  the  strength  of  such  old  men 

but  grief  and  labour  prove  ; 
For  it  is  soon  cut  off,  and  we 

fly  hence,  and  soon  remove. 

11  Who  knows  the  power  of  thy  wrath  ? 

according  to  thy  fear, 

12  So  is  thy  wrath  :  Lord,  teach  thou  VL& 

our  end  in  mind  to  bear  ; 
V2 


234  PSALM  XCI. 

And  so  to  count  our  days,  that  we 

our  hearts  may  still  apply 
To  learn  thy  wisdom  and  thy  truth, 

that  we  may  live  thereby. 

13  Turn  yet  again  to  us,  O  Lord, 

how  long  thus  shall  it  be  ? 
Let  it  repent  thee  now,  for  those 
that  servants  are  to  thee, 

14  O  with  thy  tender  mercies,  Lord, 

us  early  satisfy  ; 
So  we  rejoice  shall  all  our  days, 
and  still  be  glad  in  thee. 

15  According  as  the  days  have  been^ 

wherein  we  grief  have  had, 
And  years  wherein  we  ill  have  seen, 
so  do  thou  make  us  glad. 

16  0  let  thy  work  and  pow'r  appear 

thy  servant's  face  before  ; 
And  shew  unto  their  children  dear 
thy  glory  evermore. 

17  And  let  the  beauty  of  the  Lord 
',    our  God  be  us  upon  ; 

Our  handy-works  establish  thou* 
establish  them  each  one. 

PSALM   XCI. 

This  Psalm  was  perhaps  penned  on  the  occasion  of 
the  pestilence,  inflicted  for  numbering  the  people  ;  2 
Sam.  xxiv.  In  it,  while  the  Psalmist,  by  faith,  takes 
£od  for  his  own  refuge  and  keeper;  ver.  2 — 9.  he  for 
the  encouragement  of  others  to  do  the  same,  represents, 
(1)  the  dignity,  extent,  and  continuance,  of  their  hap- 
piness and  safety  who  have  God  for  their  residence  ;  ver. 
J— - ,4>;  (2)  Their  preservation  from  all  malice  and  baleful 
JfcflAerice  0f  $#  powers  of  darkness,  while  multitudes 


PSALM  XCI.  235 

are  ruined  thereby ;  ver.  3 — 9.  (3)  Their  enjoyment  of 
angels  for  their  guard  ;  and  their  triumph  over  devils  and 
other  opposers;  ver.  10 — 12.  (4)  Their  possession  of 
special  favour  from,  and  delightful  intimacy  with  God, 
here  and  hereafter;  ver.  13 — 16. 

In  singing  these,  let  mine  eyes  be  fixed  on  Jesus,  the 
Man  of  God's  right  hand,  in  whom  all  these  promises 
were  fulfilled  to  the  highest ;  and,  in  his  name,  let  me 
depend  on  them  to  be  accomplished  in  myself.  And  let 
all  the  begun  experience  I  have  had  thereof,  encourage 
me  to  rejoice  in  hope  of  the  more  abundant  mercies  and 
and  glory  of  God. 

HE  that  doth  in  the  secret  place 
of  the  most  High  reside, 
Under  the  shade  of  him  that  is 
th?  Almighty  shall  abide. 

2  I  of  the  Lord  my  God  will  say,     , 

he  is  my  refuge  still, 
He  is  my  fortress,  and  my  God, 
and  in  him  trust  I  will. 

3  Assuredly  he  shall  thee  save, 

and  give  deliverance 
From  subtile  fowler's  snare,  and  from 
the  noisome  pestilence. 

4  His  feathers  shall  thee  hide  ;  thy  trust 

under  his  wings  shall  be  : 
His  faithfulness  shall  be  a  shield 
and  buckler  unto  thee. 

5  Thou  shalt  not  need  to  be  afraid 

for  terrors  of  the  night ; 
Nor  for  the  arrow  that  doth  fly 
;  by  day,  while  it  is  light : 

6  Nor  for  the  pestilence,  that  walks 

in  darkness  secretly ; 
Nor  for  destruction,  that  doth  waste 
at  noon- day  openly. 


236  PSALM    XCL 

7  A  thousand  at  thy  side  shall  fall, 

on  thy  right  hand  shall  lie 
Ten  thousand  dead,  yet  unto  thee 
it  shall  not  once  come  nigh. 

8  Only  thou  with  thine  eyes  shalt  look, 

and  a  beholder  he  : 
And  thou  therein  the  just  reward 
of  wicked  men  shalt  see. 

9  Because  the  Lord,  who  constantly 

my  refuge  is  alone, 
Ev'n  the  most  High,  is  made  by  thee 
thy  habitation  ; 

10  No  plague  shall  near  thy  dwelling  come, 

no  ill  shall  thee  befall  : 

11  For  thee  to  keep  in  all  thy  ways 

his  angels  charge  he  shall. 

12  They  in  their  hands  shall  bear  thee  up, 

still  waiting  thee  upon  ; 
Lest  thou  at  any  time  should'st  dash 
thy  foot  against  a  stone. 

13  Upon  the  adder  thou  shalt  tread, 

and  on  the  lion  strong  : 
Thy  feet  on  dragons  trample  shall, 
and  on  the  lions  young. 

14)  Because  on  me  he  set  his  love, 
I'll  save  and  set  him  free  : 
Because  my  great  name  he  hath  known 
I  will  him  set  on  high. 

15  He'll  call  on  me>  I'll  answer  him  ; 

I  will  be  with  him  still 
In  trouble,  to  deliver  him, 
and  honour  him  I  will. 

16  With  length  of  days  unto  his  mind 

I  will*  him  satisfy ; 


*  PSALM    XCIL  ?37 

I  also  my  salvation 

will  cause  his  eyes  to  see. 

PSALM    XCIL 

A  Psalm  or  Song  for  the  Sabbath-day, 

In  this  Psalm  or  Song  for  the  Sabbath-day,  (1)  Praise* 
the  business  of  the  Sabbath,  is  earnestly  recommended  ; 
ver.  1 — 3.  (2)  God's  works,  which  are  the  reason  of 
the  Sabbath  and  ground  of  praise,  are  celebrated,  in  their 
greatness,  and  unsearchableness ;  ver.  4—6.  (3)  The 
ruin  of  sinners  and  the  felicity  of  saints  are  beautifully 
contrasted.  Sinners  shall  perish :  but  God  the  portion 
and  life  of  saints  shall  endure  for  ever.  Sinners,  notwith- 
standing their  temporary  flourish,  shall  be  cut  off  and 
destroyed.  Saints  shall  be  exalted  and  comforted.  Sin- 
ners shall  be  confounded  and  ruined  ;  but  saints,  through 
their  union  to,  and  fellowship  with  Christ,  shall  prosper 
and  flourish,  to  the  manifestation  of  God's  faithfulness 
and  equity  ;  ver.  7 — 15. 

While  I  keep  the  sabbath  of  the  Lord  my  God,  let 
these  things  deeply  affect  my  heart :  and  be  it  my  care, 
by  a  steady  conversation  and  manifest  growth  in  grace, 
to  verify  these  precious  promises  of  the  New  Testament 
in  Jesus'  blood. 

TO  render  thanks  unto  the  Lord 
it  is  a  comely  thing, 
And  to  thy  name,  O  thou  most  lligfc* 
due  praise  aloud  to  sing. 
&  Thy  loving  kindness  to  shew  fortl^ 
when  shines  the  morning  light ; 
And  to  declare  thy  faithfulness 
with  pleasure  ev'ry  night. 

3  On  a  ten-stringed  instrument, 
upon  the  psaltery, 
And  on  the  harp  with  solemn  sound, 
and  grave  sweet  melody. 


238  PSALM    XCII. 

4  For  thou,  Lord,  by  thy  mighty  work, 

hast  made  my  heart  right  glad  : 
And  I  will  triumph  in  the  works 
which  by  thine  hands  were  made. 

5  How  great,   Lord,    are  tny  works  !    each 

of  thine  a  deep  it  is.  [thought 

6  A  brutish  man  it  knoweth  not ; 

fools  understand  not  this. 

7  When  those  that  lew  d  and  wicked  are 

spring  quickly  up  like  grass, 
And  workers  of  iniquity 
do  flourish  all  apace  : 

It  is  that  they  for  ever  may 
destroyed  be  and  slain  : 

8  But  thou,  O  Lord,  art  the  most  HiglJ. 

for  ever  to  remain. 

9  For,  lo,  thine  enemies,  O  Lord* 

thine  en'mies  perish  shall  ; 
The  workers  of  iniquity 
shall  be  dispersed  all. 

10  But  thou  shalt  like  unto  the  horn 

of  th?  unicorn,  exalt 
My  horn  on  high  :  thou  with  fresh  oil 
anoint  me  also  shalt 

11  Mine  eye  shall  also  my  desire 

see  on  mine  enemies  : 
Mine  ears  shall  of  the  wicked  hear, 
that  do  against  me  rise. 
IS  But  like  the  palm-tree  flourishing 
shall  be  the  righteous  one  ; 
He  shall  like  to  the  cedar  grow 
that  is  in  Lebanon. 
13  Those  that  within  the  house  of  God 
are  planted  by  his  grace. 


PSALM    XCIII.  239 

They  shall  grow  up  and  flourish  all 
in  our  God's  holy  place. 

14?  And  in  old  age,  when  others  fade, 
they  fruit  still  forth  shall  bring  ; 
They  shall  be  fat,  and  full  of  sap, 
and  aye  be  flourishing. 
15  To  shew  that  upright  is  the  Lord  ; 
he  is  a  rock  to  me  ; 
And  he  from  all  unrighteousness 
is  altogether  free. 

psalm  xcin. 

This  Psalm  is  a  triumphant  celebration  of  the  govern- 
ment of  Jehovah,  4nd  of  Jesus  our  Redeemer,  in  (1) 
The  awfulness,  strength,  stability,  and  duration  thereof ; 
ver.  1,  2.  (2)  In  his  triumphant  victories  over  all  oppo- 
sitions ;  ver.  3,  4.  (3)  In  the  faithfulness  and  certainty 
of  his  words,  and  the  holiness  of  his  court ;  ver.  5. 

While  I  sing,  let  my  soul  rejoice  in  the  highness  of  my 
God,  and  in  the  glories  of  my  Redeemer. 

THE  Lord  doth  reign,  and  cloth' d  is  he 
with  majesty  most  bright : 
His  works  do  shew  him  cloth'd  to  be 

and  girt  about  with  might. 
The  world  is  also  Established, 
that  it  cannot  depart 

2  Thy  throne  is  fix'd  of  old,  and  thou 

from  everlasting  art. 

3  The  floods,  O  Lord,  have  lifted  up, 

they  lifted  up  their  voice  ; 
The  floods  have  lifted  up  their  waves* 
and  made  a  mighty  noise. 
i  But  yet  the  Lord  that  is  on  high, 
is  more  of  might  by  far 


240  PSALM    XCIV. 

Than  noise  of  many  waters  is, 

or  great  sea-billows  are. 
£  Thy  testimonies  ev'ry  one 

in  faithfulness  excel : 
And  holiness  for  ever,  Lord, 

thine  house  becometh  well. 

PSALM  XCIV. 

This  is  a  Psj.lm  for  the  afflicted  people  of  God,  in 
which  (1)  God's  just  vengeance  is  implored  v;pon  their 
Jiaughty,  active,  cruel,  and  atheistical  oppressors,  whose 
foily  is  exposed  from  the  consideration  of  God's  works  of 
creation,  providence  and  grace;  ver.  1 — 11.  (2)  His 
gracious  comforts  are  presented  to  the  persecuted  saints, 
that  he  will  bless  them  in  and  by  their  afflictions ;  and 
give  them  rest  after  them,  while  their  enemies  are  ruin- 
ed ;  that  God  will  not  cast  them  off,  when  cast  down, 
but  will,  in  his  due  time,  reduce  things  to  their  right 
course  ;  to  verify  which,  the  Psalmist  produceth  part  of 
his  own  experience  ;  ver.  12— -24. 

While  I  sing,  let  all  revenge  be  rooted  from  my  heart ; 
all  repining  at  afflictions  be  banished  from  my  soul:  But 
in  every  plunge  of  adversity,  let  me  cast  my  burden  on 
the  Lord,  that  he  may  sustain  me  and  help  me  in  the 
time  of  need.  Let  me  rejoice  in  the  assured  hopes  of 
God's  yet  reforming  the  church,  and  spreading  his  glory 
among  the  nations. 


Q 


LORD  God,  unto  whom  alone 
all  vengeance  doth  belong  : 


mighty  God,  who  vengeance  own'st, 

shine  forth,  avenging  wrong. 
2  Lift  up  thyself,  thou  of  the  earth 

the  sovereign  Judge  that  art : 
And  unto  those  that  are  so  proud, 

a  due  reward  impart. 
8  How  long,  O  mighty  God,  shall  they 

who  lewd  and  wicked  be, 


PSALM    XCIV.  £4,1 

How  long  shall  they  who  wicked  are, 
thus  triumph  haughtily  ? 
4  How  long  shall  things  most  hard  by  them 
be  uttered  and  told  ? 
And  all  that  work  iniquity 
to  boast  themselves  be  bold. 
£  Thy  folk  they  break  in  pieces,  Ijord, 
thine  heritage  oppress  ; 

6  The  widow  they,  and  strangers  slay, 

and  kill  the  fatherless. 

7  Yet  say  they,  God  shall  it  not  see, 

nor  God  of  Jacob  know. 

8  Ye  brutish  people  !  understand  ; 

fools  !  when  wise  will  ye  grow  ? 

9  The  Lord  did  plant  the  ear  of  man. 

and  hear  them  shall  not  he  ? 
He  only  formed  the  eye,  and  then 
shall  he  not  clearly  see  ? 

10  He  that  the  nations  doth  correct, 

shall  he  not  chastise  you  ? 
He  knowledge  unto  man  doth  teach, 
and  shall  himself,  not  know  ? 

11  Man's  thoughts  to  be  but  vanity, 

the  Lord  doth  well  discern. 

12  Bless'd  is  the  man  thou  chast?nest,  Lord, 

and  mak?st  thy  law  to  learn  ; 

13  That  thou  may'st  give  him  rest  from  days 

of  sad  adversitv, 
Until  the  pit  be  digged  for  those 
that  work  iniquity. 

14  For  sure  the  Lord  will  not  cast  off 

those  that  his  people  be, 
Neither  his  own  inheritance 
quit  and  forsake  will  he 
X 


242  PSALM    XCIV. 

15  But  judgment  unto  righteousness 

shall  yet  return  again  ; 
And  all  shall  follow  after  it, 
that  are  right- hearted  men. 

16  Who  will  rise  up  for  me,  against 

those  that  do  wickedly  ? 
Who  will  stand  up  for  me,  'gainst  those 
that  work  iniquity  ? 

17  Unless  the  Lord  had  been  my  help, 

When  I  was  sore  opprest, 
Almost  my  soul  had  in  the  house 
of  silence  been  at  rest. 

18  When  I  had  uttered  this  word, 

(my  foot  doth  slip  away,) 
Thy  mercy  held  me  up,  0  Lord, 
thy  goodness  did  me  stay. 

19  Amidst  the  multitude  of  thought* 

which  in  my  heart  do  fight, 
My  soul,  lest  it  be  overcharged, 
thy  comforts  do  delight. 

30  Shall  of  iniquity  the  throne 

have  fellowship  with  thee, 
Which  mischief,  cunningly  contriv^, 

doth  by  a  law  decree  ? 
21  Against  the  righteous  souls  they  join^ 

they  guiltless  blood  condemn. 
82  But  of  my  refuge  God's  the  rocl^, 

and  my  defence  from  them. 

'&'&  On  them  their  own  iniquity 

the  Lord  shall  brius  and  lav. 

And  cut  them  off  iii„their  own  sin  ; 

our  Lord  God  shall  them  slav. 


(      2«     ) 

PSALM   XCV. 

This  Psalm  contains,  (1)  Solemn  calls  to  celebrate  thfc 
praises  of  Jesus  and  his  Father,  on  account  of  what  he 
had  done,  and  what  he  is  to  us,  and  we  to  him  ;  ver.  1 
— 7.  (2)  Alarming  warnings  to  hear  his  voice,  and  not 
to  harden  our  hearts,  as  the  Israelites  in  the  desert,  who 
on  that  account  were  debarred  from  the  premised  land  ; 
ver.  7— 11. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  behold  the  glories  of  my  Re- 
deemer, and  believe  my  new  covenant  relation  to  him  ; 
and  while  it  is  yet  called  to  day,  let  me  bewar^of  being 
hardened  through  the  dcccitfulness  of  sin. 

Since  there  is  a  promise  left  me  of   entering  into  his 
rest,  let  me  take  heed,  lest  I  should  seem  to  copv 
of  it,  by  unbelief. 

OCOME,  let  us  sing  to  the  Lord ;.    - 
come,  let  us  ev?ry  one 
A  joyful  noise  make  to  the  Rock 

of  our  salvation.  ■* 

2  Let  us  before  his  presence  come 

with  praise  and  thankful  voice  ; 
Let  us  sing  psalms  to  him  with  grace.} 
and  make  a  joyful  noise. 

3  For  God,  a  great  God,  and  great  King, 

above  all  gods  he  is. 

4  Depths  of  the  earth  are  in  his  hand, 

the  strength  of  hills  is  his. 

5  To  him  the  spacious  sea  belongs, 

for  he  the  same  did  make  : 
The  dry  land  also  from  his  hands 
its  form  at  first  did  take. 

6  O  come,  and  let  us  worship  him, 

let  us  bow  down  withal, 
And  on  our  knees  before  the  Lord, 
our  Maker  let  us  falL 


£44  PSALM    XCVt. 

7  For  he's  our  God,  the  "people  we 

of  his  own  pasture  are, 
And  of  his  hand  the  sheep ;  to-day, 
if  ye  his  voice  will  hear. 

8  Then  harden  not  your  hearts,  as  in 

the  provocation, 
As  in  the  desart,  on  the  day 
of  4li.e  tentation : 

9  When  m\>your  fathers  tempted  and  prov'd, 

and  did  my  working  see  : 

10  ijv'ii  for  the  space  of  ibrty  years 

this  race  hath  grieved  me  : 

I  said,  this  people  errs  in  heart, 
my  ways  they  do  not  know  : 

1 1  To  whom  I  sware  in  wrath,  that  to 

my  rest  they  should  not  go. 

PSALM   XCVI. 

This  Psalm  was  part  of  the  hymn  sung  at  the  transla- 
tion of  the  ark  from  the  house  of  Obed-sdom  to  the  city 
of  David ;  1  Chron.  xvi.  1.22 — 33,  but  relates  to  the 
calling  of  the  Gentiles  to  our  Redeemer.  Here  are,  (1) 
Solemn  calls  to  ascribe  praises  and  glory  to  our  high 
and  great  Imnaanuelj  ver.  1 — 9.  (2)  Loud  proclama- 
tions of  Jesus'  establishment  of  his  gospel  church,  and  of 
his  coming  to  judge  the  world,  to  the  great  joy  of  his 
friends  ;  ver.  10 — 13. 

While  these  high  praises  of  God  are  in  my  mouth,  let 
ray  heart  behold  the  glory,  believe  the  promises,  and 
burn  with  desire  after  the  enjoyment  of  Christ,  and  of 
God  in  him. 


O 


SING  a  new  song  to  the  Lord, 
sins;  all  the  earth  to  God  : 


2  To  God  sing,  bless  his  name,  shew  still 


his  saving  health  abroad. 


PSALM    XCVI.  246 

3  Among  the  heathen  nations 
his  glory  do  declare  ; 
And  unto  all  the  people  show 
his  works  that  wondrous  are. 
1  For  great's  the  Lord,  and  greatly  he 
is  to  be  magnify'd  :  ^ 

Yea,  worthy  to  be  fear'd  is  he 
above  all  gods  beside. 

5  For  all  the  gods  are  idols  dumb, 

which  blinded  nations  fear  ; 
But  our  God  is  the  Lord,  by  whom 
the  heav'ns  created  were. 

6  Great  honour  is  before  his  face, 

and  majesty  divine  : 
Strength  is  within  his  holy  place, 
and  there  doth  beauty  shine. 

7  Do  ye  ascribe  unto  the  Lord, 

of  people  ev'ry  tribe  ; 
Glory  do  ye  unto  the  Lord, 
and  mighty  pow'r  ascribe. 

8  Give  ye  the  glory  to  the  Lord 

that  to  his  name  is  due  : 
Come  ye  into  hi*  courts,  and  brini 
an  offering  with  you. 

9  In  beauty  of  his  holiness, 

O  do  the  Lord  adore  r 
Likewise,  let  all  the  earth  throughout 
tremble  his  face  before. 

10  Among  the  heathen  say,  God  reigns  : 

the  world  shall  stedfastly 
Be  iix'd  from  moving  :  he  shall  judge 
the  people  righteously. 

1 1  Let  heav'ns  be  glad  before  the  Lord^ 

and  let  the  earth  rejoice  ; 

X    2 


lo 


-*<->  PSALM    XCVlt 

Let  seas,  and  all  that  is  therein, 
cry  out,  and  make  a  noise. 

12  Let  fields  rejoice,  and  ev'ry  thing 

that  springeth  of  the  earth  : 
Then  woods,  and  ev'ry  tree  shall  sing 
with  gladness  and  with  mirth 

13  Before  the  Lord  ;  because  he  comes, 

to  judge  the  earth  comes  he  : 
He'll  judge  the  world  with  righteousness, 
the  people  faithfully. 

PSALM  XCVIL 

This  Psalm  is  of  the  same  strain  with  the  preceding  ; 
and  contains,  (1)  Solemn  calls  to  the  Gentile  nations  to 
rejoice  at  the  equity  and  extent  of  Jesus'  new  testament 
kingdom,  and  at  the  destruction  of  hardened  Jews  and 
heathen  idolaters,  occasioned  by  the  establishment  there- 
of; ver.  1 — 7.  (2)  Representations  of  the  pure  and  holy 
joy  of  the  saints,  on  account  of  Jesus'  highness,  the  glo- 
ry of  God  manifested  therein,  and  of  the  care  taken  for 
their  safety  aid  comfort;  ver.  8 — 12. 

Join  the  choir,  O  my  soul.  Sing  praises  to  thy  King.j 
$ing  praises  with  understanding. 


3  Dai 


OD  reigneth  ;  let  the  earth  be  glada 
and  isles  rejoice  each  one. 
%  Dark  clouds  him  compass  ;  and  in  right 

with,  judgment  dwells  his  throne. 
8  Fire  goes  before  him,  and  his  foes 

it  burns  up  round  about. 
4  His  lightnings  lighten  did  the  world  ; 

earth  saw,  and  shook  throughout. 

§  Hills  at  the  presence  of  the  Lord, 
like  wax  did  melt  away  : 
Kv'n  at  the  presence  of  the  Lord 
of  all  the  earth,  I  say. 


PSALM  XCVIII.  24? 

d  The  heav'ns  declare  his  righteousness, 
all  men  his  glory  see. 

7  All  who  serve  graven  images, 

confounded  let  them  be. 
Who  do  of  idols  boast  themselves, 

let  shame  upon  them  fall  : 
Ye  that  are  called  gods,  see  that 

ye  do  him  worship  all. 

8  Sion  did  hear  and  joyful  was, 

glad  Judah's  daughters  were  ; 
They  much  rejoic'd,  O  Lord,  because 
thy  judgments  did  appear. 

9  For  thou,  O  Lord,  art  high  above. 

all  things  on  earth  that  are  ; 
Above  all  other  gods  thou  art 
exalted  very  far. 

10  Hate  ill,  all  ye  that  love  the  Lord  : 

his  saints'  souls  keepeth  he  ; 
And  from  the  hands  of  wicked  men 
he  sets  them  safe  and  free. 

1 1  For  all  those  that  be  righteous 

sown  is  a  joyful  light, 
And  gladness  sown  is  for  all  those 

that  are  in  heart  upright. 
1%  Ye  righteous,  in  the  Lord  rejoice  ; 

express  your  thankfulness 
When  ye  into  your  memory 

do  call  his  holiness.  , 

PSALM  XCVIII. 

This  Psalm  insists  on  the  same  subject  as  the  two  pre- 
ceding ;  and  contains,  (1)  Demands  of  praise  to  the  Re- 
deemer, for  the  wonders  he  hath  wrought ;  the  victories 
he  hath  won  ;  the  discoveries  he  hath  made,  and  the 
promises  he  fulfils;  ver.  1,  3.(2)  Demands  of  universal 


248  PSALM    XCVIII. 

and  high  rejoicing  at  the  erection  and  establishment  of  his 
gospel  church  ;  and  at  his  coming  in  the  clouds  to  judge 
the  world;  ver.  4 — 9. 

While  my  lips  utter  these  lofty  notes,  let  my  soul  ac- 
cording to  this  time  also,  say,  What  hath  the  Lord 
wrought?  What  is  Jesus?  What  is  Jehovah  to  my 
heart  ?  What  hath  he  done  for  mankind,  and  what  for 
my  soul?  What  of  Jesus?  What  of  Jehovah,  have 
mine  eyes  seen  and  my  heart  tasted  ?  And  while  I  assu- 
redly believe  his  return  to  judgment,  let  me  with  ardor 
look  for  that  blessed  hope,  and  glorious  appearance  of  the 
great  God  my  Saviour.  Let  my  soul  with  rapture  spring 
forth  to  meet  his  burning  chariot-wheels,  and  long  to  see 
creation  all  on  flames. 

OSING  a  new  song  to  the  Lord, 
for  wonders  he  hath  done  : 
His  right  hand  and  his  holy  arm 
him  victory  hath  won. 

2  The  Lord  God  his  salvation 

hath  caused  to  be  known  : 
His  justice  in  the  heathens'  sight 
he  openly  hath  shewn. 

3  He  mindful  of  his  grace  and  truth 

to  Israel's  house  hath  been  : 
And  the  salvation  of  our  God 
all  ends  of  the  earth  have  seen. 

4  Let  all  the  earth  unto  the  Lord 

send  forth  a  joyful  noise  : 
Lift  up  your  voice  aloud  to  him, 
sing  praises  and  rejoice. 

5  With  harp,  with  harp,  and  voice  of  psalms£ 

unto  Jehovah  sing. . 

6  With  trumpets,  cornets,  gladly  sound 

before  the  Lord  the  King. 

7  Let  seas,  and  all  their  fulness  roar, 

the  world;  and  dwellers  there. 


PSALM    XCIX.  249 

8  Let  floods  clap  hands,  and  let  the  hills 

together  joy  declare. 

9  Before  the  Lord  ;  because  he  comes, 

to  judge  the  earth  comes  he  : 
He'll  judge  the  world  with  righteousness, 
his  folk  with  equity. 

PSALM  XCIX. 

This  Psalm  is  of  the  same  general  nature  with  the 
three  preceding,  and  calls  men  to  revere,  worship,  and 
praise  the  Messiah,  and  his  Father,  (1)  For  the  pjlory, 
greatness,  mercy,  and  equity  of  his  government ;  ver, 
1 — 5.  (2)  For  the  instances  of  his  kindness  to  Israel,  in 
remarkably  regarding  and  honouring  their  noted  deliver- 
ers, and  reformers  ;  ver.  6 — 9. 

While  I  sing  this,  let  my  soul  stand  in  awe  of  Jeho- 
vah's greatness  and  excellency.  Let  me  call  en  God  in 
every  time  of  need,  that  he  may  answer  and  save  me. 
Let  me  hope  that  he  will  forgive  and  subdue,  but  never 
that  he  will  indulge  my  transgressions.  For  the  Lord 
my  God  is  holy. 

f  1 1 W  eternal  Lord  doth  reign  as  King  $ 
let  all  the  people  quake  : 
He  sits  between  the  cherubims, 
let  th?  earth  be  mov'd  and  shake. 

2  The  Lord  in  Zion  great  and  high, 

above  all  people  is. 

3  Thy  great  and  dreadful  name  (for  it 

is  holy)  let  them  bless. 

4  The  King's  strength  also  judgment  loves  ; 

thou  settlest  equity  : 
Just  judgment  thou  dost  execute 
in  Jacob  righteously. 
o  The  Lord  our  God  exalt  on  high,- 
and  reverently  do  ye 


2:50  PSALM    C. 

Before  his  footstool  worship  him  : 
the  holy  One  is  he. 

6  Moses  and  Aaron  'mong  his  priests, 

Samuel,  with  them  that  call 
Upon  his  name  :  these  calFd  on  God, 
and  he  them  answer' d  all. 

7  Within  the  pillar  of  the  cloud 

he  unto  them  did  speak  : 
The  testimonies  he  them  taught, 
and  laws,  they  did  not  break. 

8  Thou  answerd'st  them,  O  Lord  our  God, 

thou  wast  a  God  that  gave 
Pardon  to  them,  though  on  their  deeds 
thou  wouldest  vengeance  have. 

9  Do  ye  exalt  the  Lord  our  God, 

and  at  his  holy  hill 
Bo  ye  him  worship  :  for  the  Lord 
our  God  is  holy  still. 

PSALM  C. 

A  Psalm  of  Praise. 

This  Psalm,  (1)  Contains  a  solemn  call  to  the  Gentiles 
to  praise  God  and  rejoice  in  him;  ver.  1 — 1.  (2)  Ftir- 
nisheth  us  with  matter  of  praise,  viz.  that  he  is  God, 
and  stands  nearly  related  to  us,  and  that  his  mercy  and 
truth  are  everlasting ;  ver.  3,  5. 

Knowing  the  Lord  to  be  my  God,  let  me  approach  his 
ordinances,  and  enter  his  heavenly  palaces,  with  an  heart 
ravished  with  his  excellencies  and  kindness,  and  a  mouth 
filled  with  his  praise. 

ALL  people,  that  on  earth  do  dwell, 
sing*to  the  Lord  with  cheerful  voice  ;s 
2  Him  serve  with  mirth,  his  praise  forth  tell, 
Come  ye  before  him  and  rejoice. 


i 


PSALM    CI.  251 

3  Know  that  the  Lord  is  God  indeed  ; 
Without  our  aid  he  did  us  make  : 
We  are  his  flock,  he  doth  us  feed, 
And  for  his  sheep  he  doth  us  take. 

4  0  enter  then  his  gates  with  praise, 
Approach  with  jo  J-  his  courts  unto  : 
Praise,  laud,  and  Mess  his  name  always, 
For  it  is  seemly  so  to  do. 

5  For  why  ?  the  Lord  our  God  is  good, 
His  mercy  is  for  ever  sure  : 
His  truth  at  all  times  firmly  stood, 
And  shall  from  age  to  age  endure. 

SECOND  VERSION. 

OALL  ye  lands,  unto  the  Lord 
make  ye  a  joyful  noise. 

2  Serve  God  with  gladness  :  him  before 

come  with  a  sieging  voice. 

3  Know  ye  the  Loi  J,  that  he  is  God  ; 

not  we,  but  he  us  made  : 
We  are  his  people,  and  the  sheep 
within  his  pasture  fed. 

4  Enter  his  gates  and  courts  with  praise, 

to  thank  him  go  ye  thither  : 
To  him  express  your  thankfulness, 
and  bless  his  name  together. 

5  Because  the  Lord  our  God  is  good, 

his  mercy  faileth  never  ; 
And  to  all  generations 
his  truth  endureth  ever. 

PSALM  CI. 

A  Poahn  of  David. 
This  Psalm  was  probably  composed  when  David  is 


252  PSALM    Cf. 

sumed  the  government  of  his  kingdom,  and  contains  his 
hoiy  resolutions,  (1)  To  make  God's  mercies  and  judg- 
ments the  connected  matter  of  his  song ;  and  to  walk 
circumspectly  before  his  family,  through  the  assisting 
presence  of  God;  ver.  1,  2.  (2)  To  purge  his  family 
and  kingdom  ;  discouraging  and  punishing  persons  mis- 
chievous, wicked  slanderers,  liars,  and  deceitful  work- 
ers ;  and  encouraging  the  pious  ;  ver.  3 — 8. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  remember  my  faults,  and  in  the 
strength  of  the  grace  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus,  form  the 
like  holy  resolutions. 

I  MERCY  will  and  judgment  sing, 
Lord,  I  will  sing  to  thee. 
%  With  wisdom  in  a  perfect  way, 
shall  my  be  behaviour  be  : 

0  when,  in  kindness  unto  me, 
wilt  thou  be  pleas'd  to  come  ? 

1  with  a  perfect  heart  will  walk 
within  my  house  at  home. 


I  willjsndure  no  wicked  thing 

before  mine  eyes  to  be  : 
1  hate  their  work  that  turn  aside, 

it  shall  not  cleave  to  me. 
A  stubborn  and  a  froward  heart 

depart  quite  from  me  shall : 
A  person  giv'n  to  wickedness 

I  will  not  know  at  all. 

I'll  cut  him  off  that  slandereth 

his  neighbour  privily  : 
The  haughty  heart  I  will. not  bear 

nor  him  that  looketh  high. 
Upon  the  faithful  of  the  land 

mine  eyes  shall  be,  that  they 
May  dwell  with  me  :  he  shall  me  serve 

that  walks  m  perfect  way> 


PSALM   CII.  'M 

7  Who  of  deceit  a  worker  is, 

in  my  bouse  shall  not  dwell  : 
And  in  my  presence  shall  he  not 
remain,  that  lies  doth  tell. 

8  Yea,  all  the  wicked  of  the  land 

early  destroy  will  I  : 
All  from  God's  city  to  cut  ojF 
that  work  iniquity. 

PSALM   CII. 

A  Prayer  of  the  afflicted,  when  he  h  overwhelmed,  and 
poureth  out  his  comfilalnt  before  the  Lord. 

This  Psalm  relates  to  some  grievous  distress  ;  wherein 
are  observable,  (1)  Bitter  complaints  of  divine  hidings 
and  wrath  ;  of  sore  bodily  troubles  ;  of  inward  griefs 
and  perplexities  ;  of  calumnious  reproaches  ;  of  suckle  n 
changes  ef  condition,  and  of  apparent  nearness  to  death  ; 
vei*.  1  —  l  1.  (2)  Seasonable  comforts  against  these  grie- 
vances, fetched  in  from  the  eternity  and  unchangeable- 
ness  of  God;  ver.  12,  24,  27.  from  the  .deliverances, 
spread,  and  establishment  he  will  grant  to  his  church,  in 
answer  to  the  prayers,  aud  for  the  comfort  of  his  afflic- 
ted people;  ver.  13—28. 

While  I  sing,  think,  my  soul,  if  I  am  exercised  by 
my  troubles  ;  if  these  of  the  inner  man  bear  heaviest  on 
my  heart,  and  if  I  am  a  cordial  partaker  with  Zion  in 
her  joys  and  griefs. 

OLORD,  unto  my  pray'r  give  ear, 
my  cry  let  come  to  thee  : 
3  And  in  the  day  of  my  distress, 
hide  not  thy  face  from  me. 
Give  ear  to  me  :  what  time  I  call, 
to  answer  me  make  haste. 
3  For  as  an  hearth  my  hones  are  burnt ; 
my  days  like  smoke  do  waste 

$ 


B54  PSALM    CII. 

I  My  heart  within  me  smitten  is, 

and  it  is  withered 
Like  very  grass  ;  so  that  I  do 
forget  to  eat  my  bread. 

5  By  reason  of  my  groaning  voice, 

my  bones  cleave  to  my  skin. 

6  Like  pelican  in  wilderness 

forsaken  I  have  been  : 

7  I  like  an  owl  in  desert  am, 

that  nisrhtlv  there  doth  moan, 
I  watch,  and  like  a  sparrow  am 
on  the  house-top  alone. 

8  My  bitter  en'mies  all  the  day, 

reproaches  cast  on  me  ; 
And,  being  mad  at  me,  with  rage 
against  me  sworn  they  be. 

9  For  why  ?  I  ashes  eaten  have 

like  bread,  in  sorrows  deep  : 
My  drink  I  also  mingled  have 
with  tears  that  I  did  weep. 

10  Thy  wrath  and  indignation 

did  cause  this  grief  and  pain  ; 
For  thou  hast  lift  me  up  on  high, 
and  cast  me  down  again. 

II  My  days  are  like  unto  a  shade, 

which  doth  declining  pass  : 
And  I  am  dry'd  and  withered, 
ev?n  like  unto  the  grass. 

12  But  thou,  Lord,  everlasting  art, 

and  thy  remembrance  shall 
Continually  endure,  and  be 
to  generations  all. 

13  Thou  shalt  arise,  and  mercv  have 

upon  thy  Zion  yet : 


, 


PSALM    CII.  2*5 

The  time  to  favour  her  is  come, 
the  time  that  thou  hast  set. 

14  For  in  her  rubbish  and  her  stones 

thy  servants  pleasure  take  ; 
Yea,  they  the  very  dust  thereof 
do  favour  for  her  sake. 

15  So  shall  the  heathen  people  fear 

the  Lord's  most  holy  name  ; 
And  all  the  kings  on  earth  shall  dread 
thy  glory  and  thy  fame. 

16  When  Zion  by  the  mighty  Lordk, 

built  up  again  shall  be, 

In  glory  then,  and  majesty, 

to  men  appear  shall  he. 

17  The  prayer  of  the  destitute 

he  surely  will  regard  ; 
Their  prayer  will  he  not  despise, 
by  him  it  shall  be  heard. 

18  For  generations  yet  to  come 

this  shall  be  on  record  : 
So  shall  the  people  that  shall  be* 
created,  praise  the  Lord. 

19  He  from  his  sanctuary's  height 

hath  downward  cast  his  eye  : 
And  from  his  glorious  throne  in  heav'5 

the  Lord  the  earth  did  spy  :  * 

20  That  of  the  mournful  prisoner 

the  groanings  he  might  hear  ; 
To  set  them  free  that  unto  death  r 

by  men  appointed  are  : 

21  That  they  in  Zion  may  declare 

the  Lord's  most  holy  name. 
And  publish  in  Jerusalem 
the  praises  of  the  same.'* 


PSALM   CII. 

22  When  as  the  people  gather  shall 
in  troops  With  one  accord, 
When  kingdoms  shall  assembled  be 
to  serve  the  highest  Lord; 
£3  My  wonted  strength  and  force  he  hath 
abated  in  the  way  ; 
And  he  my  days  ham  shortened  : 
$1       Thus,  therefore,  did  I  say, 
My  God,  in  mid- time  of  my  days 

take  thou  me  not  away  : 
From  age  to  age  eternally 
thy  years  endure  and  stay, 

25  The  firm  foundation  of  the  earth 

of  old  time  thou  hast  laid  ; 
The  hea veils  also  are  the  work 

which  thine  own  hands  have  made.* 

26  Thou  shalt  for  evermore  endure  : 

but  they  shall  perish  all ; 
Yea,  ev?ry  one  of  them  wax  old, 
like  to  a  garment,  shall  : 

Thou  as  a  vesture  shalt  them  change;* 
and  they  shall  changed  bo. 

27  But  thou  the  same  art,  and  thy  years 

are  to  eternity. 
£8  The  children  of  thy  servants  shall 
continually  endure, 
And  in  thy  sight,  O  Lord,  their  seed 
shall  be  established  sure, 

SECOND  VERSION. 

LORD,  hear  my  pray'r,  and  let  my  cry 
have  speedy  access  unto  thee. 
8  In  day  of  my  calamity, 

O  hide  not  thou  thy  face,  from  me  : 


PSALM    CII.  257 

Hear  when  I  call  to  thee  ;  that  day 
An  answer  speedily  return. 

3  My  days  like  smoke  consume  away, 
And,  as  an  hearth,  my  bones  do  burn.  ■ 

4  My  heart  is  wounded  very  sore, 
And  withered,  like  grass,  doth  fade  : 
I  am  forgetful  grown  therefore 

To  take  and  eat  my  daily  bread, 
3  By  reason  of  my  smart  within, 

And  voice  of  my  most  grievous  groans^ 

My  flesh  consumed  is  ;  my  skin 

All  parch'd,  doth  cleave  unto  my  bones > 

6  The  pelican  of  wilderness, 
The  owl  in  desart,  I  do  match  : 

7  And,  sparrow-like,  companionless, 
Upon  the  house's  top  I  watch. 

8  I  all  day  long  am  made  a  scorn, 
Reproached  by  my  malicious  foes  r 
The  mad  men  are  against  me  sworn, 
The  men  against  me  that  arose. 

9  For  I  have  ashes  eaten  up, 

To  me  as  if  they  had  been  bread  ; 
And  with  my  drink,  I  in  my  cup, 
Of  bitter  tears,  a  mixture  made. 

10  Because  thy  wrath  was  not  appeas'tT, 
And  dreadful  indignation  : 
Therefore  it  was  that  thou  me  rais'd, 
And  thou  again  didst  cast  me  down. 

11  My  days  are  like  a  shade  alway, 
Which  doth  declining  swiftly  pass  : 
And  I  am  withered  away, 

Much  like  unto  the  fading  grass. 

12  But  thou,  O  Lord,  shalt  still  ensure, 
From  change  and  all  mutation  free  $ 

Y  2 


2o$  PSALM  CII 

And  to  all  generations  sure 
Shall  thy  remembrance  ever  be. 

13  Thou  shalfc  arise,  and  mercy  yet 
Thou  to  mount  Zion  shalt  extend  : 
Her  time  for  favour  which  was  set. 
Behold  is  now  come  to  an  end. 

14  Thy  saints  take  pleasure  in  her  stones  ; 
Her  vevy  dust  to  them  is  dear. 

id  All  heathen  lands  and  kingly  thrones, 
On  earth,  thy  glorious  name  shall  fear. 

16  God  in  his  glory  shall  appear, 
When  Zion  he  builds  and  repairs. 

17  He  shall  regard  and  lend  his  ear, 
Unto  the  needy's  humble  prayers. 

Th?  aiflicted's  pray'r  he  will  not  scorty 
48  All  times  this  shall  be  on  record  ; 
And  generations  yet  unborn 
Shall  praise  and  magnify  the  Lord. 

19  He  from  his  holy  place  look'd  down  ; 
The  earth  he  view'd  from  heav'n  on  high\ 

20  To  hear  the  prisoner's  mourning  groan, 
And  free  them  that  are  doomed  to  die  : 

21  That  Zion  and  Jerusalem  too, 

His  name  and  praise  may  well  record  : 

22  When  people,  and  the  kingdoms  do 
Assemble  all  to  praise  the  Lord. 

%o  My  strength  he  weakened  in  the  way  $ 
My  days  of  life  he  shortened. 

£1  My  God,  O  take  me  not  away 
In  mid- time  of  my  days,  I  said  : 
Thy  years  throughout  all  ages  last. 

%p  Of  old  thou  hast  established 

The  earth's  foundation  firm  and  fast : 
Thy  mighty  hands  the  heav'ns  have,  made^ 


i 


PSALM    CllH  2(& 

2G  They  perish  shall,  as  garments  do  : 
Bat  thou  shalt  evermore  endure  : 
As  vestures  thou  shalt  change  them  so. 
And  they  shall  all  be  changed  sure. 

27  But  from  all  changes  thou  art  free  ; 
Thy  endless  years  do  last  for  aye. 

28  Thy  servants  and  their  seed  who  be, 
Established  shall  before  thee  stay. 

PSALM  cm. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 

Here,  (1)  The  Psalmist  earnestly  stirs  up  himself  to 
praise  God,  for  favours  to  himself  in  particular  ;  for  par- 
don of  sins,  healing  of  diseases,  redemption  from  death  ; 
ver.  1 — 5.  and  for  his  mercies  to  his  people,  in  reveal- 
ing his  mind  to  them  ;  pardoning  their  sins  ;  sympathi- 
zing with  their  weakness  ;  pitying  their  afflictions  ;  and 
perpetuating  his  new  covenant  mercy  towards  them  and 
their  seed;  ver.  6 — 18.  (2)  Conscious  of  his  own  in- 
sufficiency, he  requests  the  assistan  ce  of  angels,  and  of 
all  the  works  of  God  to  praise  Him  who  is  their  Sove- 
reign ;  ver.  19 — 22. 

Thus,  my  sou!,  let  all  my  inward  powers  be  stirred 
up  to  praise  and  thank  my  Redeemer,  for  all  that  he  hath 
done  for  me,  and  for  his  church  on  earth. 

OTHOU  my  soul,  bless  God  the  Lord  5 
and  all  that  in  me  is, 
Be  stirred  up>  his  holy  name 
to  magnify  and  bless. 
2  Bless,  O  my  soul,  the  Lord  thy  God, 
and  not  forgetful  be 
Of  all  his  gracious  benefits 
he  hath  bestow'd  on  thee. 
8  All  thine  iniquities  who  doth 
most  graciously  forgive  ; 
Who  thy  diseases  all  and  pains 
doth  heal,  and  thee  relieve, 


260  PSALM   CUV. 

4  Who  doth  redeem  thy  life,  that  thou 

to  death  may'st  not  go  down  : 
Who  thee  with  loving-kindness  doth 
and  tender  mercies  crown. 

5  Who  with  abundance  of  good  things 

doth  satisfy  thy  mouth  : 
So  that,  ev'n  as  the  eagle's  age, 
renewed  is  thy  youth. 

6  Grod  righteous  judgment  executes 

for  all  oppressed  ones. 

7  His  way  to  Moses,  he  his  acts 

made  known  to  Isr'ePs  sons. 

8  The  Lord  our  God  is  merciful, 

and  he  is  gracious  ; 
Long-suffering,  and  slow  to  wrat% 
in  mercy  plenteous. 

9  He  will  not  chide  continually, 

nor  keep  his  anger  still. 

10  With  us  he  dealt  not  as  we  shm'd, 

nor  did  requite  our  ill. 

11  lor  as  the  heaven  in  its  height 

the  earth  surmounteth  far  : 
So  great  to  those  that  do  him  feaf 

his  tender  mercies  are. 
IS  As  far  as  east  is  distant  from 

the  west,  so  far  hath  he 
From  us  removed,  in  his  love, 

all  our  iniquity. 

13  Such  pity  as  a  father  hath 

unto  his  children  dear  : 
Like  pity  shews  the  Lord  to  such 
as  worship  him  in  fear. 

14  For  he  remembers  we  are  dust, 

and  he  our  frame  well  knows. 


PSALM    CIV.  261 

15  Frail  man,  his  days  are  like  the  grass, 

as  flow'r  in  field  he  grows. 

16  For  over  it  the  wind  doth  pass, 

and  it  away  is  gone  ; 
And  of  the  place  where  once  it  was 
it  shall  no  more  be  known. 

17  But  unto  them  that  do  him  tear 

God's  mercy  never  ends  ; 
And  to  their  children's  children  still 
his  righteousness  extends. 

18  To  such  as  keep  his  covenant, 

and  mindful  are  alway 
Of  his  most  just  conimandements, 
that  he  may  them  obey. 

19  The  Lord  prepared  hath  his  throne 

in  heavens  firm  to  stand  : 
And  ev?ry  thing  that  being  hath 

his  kingdom  doth  command. 
SO  O  ye  his  angels,  that  excel 

in  strength,  bless  ye  the  Lord  ; 
Ye  who  obey  what  he  commands, 

and  hearken  to  his  word. 
2i  O  bless  and  magnify  the  Lord, 

ye  glorious  hosts  of  his  ; 
Ye  ministers,  that  do  fulfil 

whatever  his  pleasure  is. 

22  0  bless  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  works, 
wherewith  the  world  is  stored 
In  his  dominions  every  where  : 
my  soul,  bless  thou  the  Lord. 

PSALM    CIV. 

This  Psalm  was  perhaps  composed  along-  with  the,  pre- 
ceding one  ;  and  contains,  (l)  High  celebrations  of  God, 


262         ,  PSALM   CIV. 

as  the  God  of  nature  ;  particularly  of  his  appearances 
in  his  heavenly  palaces  ;  ver.  1—4.  of  his  creation  of 
the  sea  and  dry  land ;  ver.  5 — 9.  of  the  provision  he 
makes  for  his  creatures,  according  to  their  respective 
needs;  ver.  10 — 28.  and  of  his  sovereign  dominion  and 
influence  over  them  ;  ver.  29 — 32.  (2)  Holy  resolutions 
to  meditate  on,  and  praise  the  Lord,  in  the  view  of  hrs 
destruction  of  the  wicked  ;  ver.  33* — 35. 

Lo  !  how  stretched  heavens,  how  refulgent  luminaries, 
how  fertile  fields,  how  towering  woods,  how  roaring 
seas,  how  ranging  brutes,  how  labouring  men,  how  fla- 
ming seraphs,  unite  their  force  to  awaken  my  soul,  to 
tune  my  heart,  to  the  high  praises  of  her  Redeemer  ! 
Let  me  meet  my  God,  my  Christ  in  every  view.  In  ev- 
ery sound,  let  me  hear  his  voice.  In  every  form  let  mc 
discern  how  great  is  his  goodness,  and  how  great  is  his 
beauty  !  Nor  let  creation's  lower  plains  detain  my  heart." 
Let  new  covenant  relations  to  my  unbounded  All,  let 
redemption  through  his  blood,  fix  all  my  thoughts,  en- 
rapture all  my  inward  powers  ;  that  1  may  sing  anthems, 
all  on  fire,  to  him  who  loved  me,  and  gave  himself  for 
me. 

BLESS  God,  my  soul :  O  Lord  my  God, 
thou  art  exceeding  great ; 
With  honour  and  with  majesty 
thou  clothed  art  in  state. 
%  With  light,  as  with  a  robe,  thyself 
thou  coverest  about : 
And,  like  unto  a  curtain,  thou 
the  heavens  stretchest  out. 

3  Who  of  his  chambers  doth  the  beams 

within  the  waters  lay  ; 
Who  doth  the  clouds  his  chariot  maker 
on  wings  of  wind  make  way. 

4  Who  flaming  lire  his  ministers, 

his  angels  sp'rits  doth  make. 

5  Who  earth's  foundations  did  lay, 

that  it  should  never  shake. 


PSALM    CIV.  £63 

0  Thou  didst  it  cover  with  the  deep, 

as  with  a  garment  spread  : 
The  waters  stood  above  the  hills, 
when  thou  the  word  but  said. 
7  But  at  the  voice  of  thy  rebuke 
they  fled,  and  would  not  stay  : 
They  at  thy  thunder's  dreadful  voice 
did  haste  them  fast  away. 
€  They  by  the  mountains  do  ascend, 
and  by  the  valley-ground 
Descend,  unto  that  very  place 
which  thou  for  them  didst  found. 

9  Thou  hast  a  bound  unto  them  set, 

that  they  may  not  pass  over, 
That  they  do  not  return  again 
the  face  of  earth  to  cover. 

10  He  to  the  valleys  sends  the  springs, 

which  run  among  the  hills  : 

1  i  They  to  all  beasts  of  field  give  drink, 

wild  asses  drink  their  fills. 
IS  By  them  the  fowls  of  heav'n  shall  have 
their  habitation, 
Which  do  among  the  branches  sing 
with  delectation. 

13  He  from  his  chambers  watereth 
the  hills,  when  they  are  dry'd  : 
"With  fruit  and  increase  of  thy  works 
the  earth  is  satisfy'd. 

11  For  cattle  he  makes  grass  to  grow, 

he  makes  the  herb  to  spring 
For  th>  use  of  man,  that  food  to  him 
he  from  the  earth  may  bring. 
15  And  wine  that  to  the  heart  of  man 
doth  cheerfulness  impart, 


264'  PSALM    CIV. 

Oil  that  his  face  makes  shine,  and  bread 
that  strengthened  his  heait. 

16  The  trees  of  bod»are  full  of  sap  ; 

the  cedars  that  do  stand 
In  Lebanon,  which  planted  were 
by  his  almighty liand. 

17  Birds  of  the  air,  upon  their  boughs, 

do  choose  their  ^ltsts  to  make  ; 
As  for  the  stork,  the  fir-tree  she 
doth  for  her  dwelling  take. 

18  The  lofty  mountains  for  wild  goats 

a  place  of  refuge  be  : 
The  conies  also  to  the  rocks 
do  for  their  safety  flee. 

19  He  sets  the  moon  in  heav'n,  thereby 

the  seasons  to  discern  : 
From  him  the  sun  his  certain  time 
of  going  down  doth  learn. 

20  Thou   darkness   mak'st,    'tis  night ;    then 

of  forests  creep  abroad.  [beasts 

Si  The  lions  young  roar  for  their  prey, 
and  seek  their  meat  from  God. 

22  The  sun  doth  rise  and  home  they  flock, 

down  in  their  dens  they  lie. 
S3  Man  goes  to  work,  his  labour  he 

doth  to  the  evening  ply. 
34  How  manifold,  Lord,  are  thy  works  J 

in  wisdom  wonderful 
Thou  ev'ry  one  of  them  hast  made  ; 

earth's  of  thy  riches  full. 
£5  So  is  this  great  and  spacious  «ea, 

wherein  things  creeping  are, 
Which  number  d  cannot  be  ;  and  beasts 

both  .great  and  small  are  there. 


PSALM   CIV.  2Zb 

26  There  ships  go  ;  there  thou  mak'st  to  play 

that  leviathan  great. 

27  These  all  wait  on  thee,  that  thou  may'st 

in  due  time  give  them  meat. 

28  That  which  thou  givest  unto  them, 

they  gather  for  their  food  ; 
Thine  hand  thou  op'nest  liberally, 
they  filled  are  with  good. 

29  Thou  hid'st  thy  face,  they  troubled  arc. 

their  breath  thou  tak'st  away  ; 
Then  do  they  die,  and  to  their  dust 
return  again  do  they. 

30  Thy  quickening  sp'rit  thou  sendest  forth. 

then  they  created  be  : 
And  then  the  earth's  decayed  face 
renewed  is  by  thee. 

31  The  glory  of  the  mighty  Lord 

continue  shall  for  ever  : 
The  Lord  Jehovah  shall  rejoice 
in  all  his  works  together. 

'32  Earth,  as  affrighted,  trembleth  all, 
if  he  on  it  but  look  ; 
And  if  the  mountains  he  but  touch, 
they  presently  do  smoke. 
33  I  will  sing  to  the  Lord  most  high, 
so  long  as  I  shall  live  ; 
And  while  1  being  have,  I  shalj 
to  my  God  praises  give. 

B-t  Of  him  my  meditation  shall 

sweet  thoughts  to  me  afford  5 
And  as  for  me  I  will  rejoice 
in  God,  my  only  Lord. 
85  From  earth  let  sinners  be  consuiu'd. 
let  ill  men  no  more  be  : 
7 


PSALM    CV. 

O  thou  my  soul,  bless  thou  the  Lord. 
Praise  to  the  Lord  give  ye. 

PSALM  CV. 

This  Psalm  was  a  part  of  the  solemn  hymn  sung  at 
the  translation  of  the  ark  from  the  house. of  Obed-edom 
to  the  city  of  David  ;  1  Cliron.  xvi.  and  contains,  (1)  So- 
lemn calls  to  meditate  on,  seek,  magnify,  and  praise 
God^  who  is  so  great,  so  gracious,  and  so  nearly  con- 
nected with  us  ;  ver.  1 — 7.  (2)  A  narrative  of  the  par- 
ticular mercies  of  God  to  Israel  for  the  space  of  480 
years,  as  grounds  of  praise ;  particularly,  1 .  His  cove- 
nant with  their  patriarchs  ;  ver.  8 — 11.  2.  His  care  of 
them,  while  strangers  and  sojourners;  ver.  12 — 15.  3. 
His  advancement  of  Joseph,  to  be  the  shepherd  and 
stone  of  Israel;  ver.  16 — 22.  4.  His  increasing  of 
them  in  Egypt,  and  at  last  delivering  them  from  it,  in 
the  way  of  inflicting  manifold  plagues  on  the  Egyptians  ; 
ver.  23 — 38  5.  His  care  of  them  in  the  wilderness,  and 
settling  them  in  Canaan,  as  a  peculiar  people  to  himself; 
ver.  30 — 45. 

While  I  sing,  let  my  soul,  with  affecting  wonder, 
think  what  God  is  to  me  ;  and  what  he  hath  done  for  me, 
and  his  church,  in  prosecution  of  his  covenant  engage- 
ments with  Jesus  Christ. 

(^  IVE  thanks  to  God  ;  call  on  his  name  ; 
"g~  to  men  his  deeds  make  known. 
%  Sing  ye  to  him,  sing  psalms  ;  proclaim 
his  wondrous  works  each  one. 

3  See  that  ye  in  his  holy  name 

to  glory  do  accord  ; 
Aitd  let  the  heart  of  ev'ry  one 
rejoice  that  seeks  the  Lord. 

4  The  Lord  Almighty,  and  his  strength^ 

with  stedfast  hearts  seek  ve  : 
His>  hi  esse d  and  his  gracious  face 
seek  ye  continually. 


PSALM    CV.  26r 

*  Think  on  the  works  which  he  hath  done, 
which  admiration  hreed  ; 
His  wonders,  and  the  judgments  all 
which  from  his  mouth  proceed, 

6  O  ye  that  are  of  Abraham's  race, 

his  servant  well  approv'n  ; 
And  ye  that  Jacob's  children  are, 
whom  he  choos'd  for  his  own. 

7  Because  he,  and  he  only,  is 

the  mighty  Lord  our  God  ; 
And  his  most  righteous  judgments  are? 
in  all  the  earth  abroad. 

8  His  eov'nant  he  remember'd  hath^ 

that  it  may  ever  stand  : 
To  thousand  generations 
the  word  he  did  command. 

9  Which  covenant  he  firmly  made 

with  faithful  Abraham,     - 
And  unto  Isaac,  by  his  oath, 
he  did  renew  the  same. 

10  And  unto  Jacob  for  a  law, 

he  made  it  firm  and  sure  ; 
A  covenant  to  Israel, 

which  ever  should  endure. 

11  He  said,  I'll  give  Canaan's  land 

for  heritage  to  you. 

12  While  they  were  strangers  there,  and  fe\\;, 

in  number  very  few. 

13  While  yet  they  went  from  land  to  land 

without  a  sure  abode  ; 
And  while,  through  sundry  kingdoms,  they 
did  wander  far  abroad  ; 

14  Yet  notwithstanding  suffered  he 

no  man  to  do  them  wrong  : 


PSALM    CV. 

Yea.  for  their  sakes,  he  did  reprove 

kings,  who  were  great  and  strong. 
lo  Thus  did  he  say,  touch  ye  not  those 

that  mine  anointed  be, 
Nor  do  the  prophets  any  harm, 

that  do  pertain  to  me. 
1Q  He  call'd  for  famine  on  the  land, 

he  brake  the  staff  of  bread  ; 
17  But  yet  he  sent  a  man  before, 

by  whom  they  should  be  fed  : 

Ev'n  Joseph,  whom  unnaturally 
sell  for  a  slave  did  they  ; 
13  Whose  feet  with  fetters  they  did  hurr^ 
and  he  in  irons  lay  ; 

19  Until  the  time  that  his  word  came 

to  give  him  liberty  ; 
The  word  and  purpose  of  the  Lord 
did  him  in  prison  try. 

20  Then  sent  the  king,  and  did  command 

that  he  enlarg'd  should  be  : 
He  that  the  people's  ruler  was, 
did  send  to  set  him  free. 

21  A  lord  to  rule  his  family 

he  rais'd  him,  as  most  fit ; 
To  him  of  all  that  he  possessed 

he  did  the  charge  commit : 
g&  That  he  might  at  his  pleasure  bind 

the  princes  of  the  land  : 
And  he  might  teach  his  senators 

wisdom  to  understand. 
23  The  people  then  of  Israel 

down  into  Egypt  came  : 
And  Jacob  also  sojourned 

within  the  land  of  Kanv 


PSALM    CV.  368 

S4  And  lie  did  greatly  by  his  pow'r 
increase  his  people  there  ; 
And  stronger  than  their  enemies 
they  by  his  blessing  were. 

35  Their  hearts  he  turned  to  envy 

his  folk  maliciously. 
With  those  that  his  own  servants  were 
to  deal  in  subtilty. 

26  His  servant  Moses  he  did  send, 

Aaron  his  chosen  one. 

27  By  these  his  signs  and  wonders  great 

in  Ham's  land  were  made  known. 
38  Darkness  he  sent,  and  made  it  dark  > 
his  word  they  did  obey. 

29  He  turn'd  their  waters  into  blood, 

and  he  their  fish  did  slay. 

30  The  land,  in  plenty,  brought  forth  frogft 

in  chambers  of  their  kings. 

31  His  word  all  sorts  of  flies  and  lice 

in  all  their  borders  brings. 

36  He  hail  for  rain,  and  flaming  lire 

into  their  land  he  sent : 
33  And  he  their  vines  and  fig-trees  smote 
trees  of  their  coasts  he  rent. 

31  He  spake,  and  catterpillars  came, 
locusts  did  much  abound  ; 

35  Which  in  their  land  all  herbs  consunrd, 

and  all  fruits  of  their  ground. 

36  He  smote  all  first-born  in  their  land, 

chief  of  their  strength  each  one. 

37  With  gold  and  silver  brought  them  fortify 

weak  in  their  tribes  were  none. 

38  Egypt  was  glad  when  forth  they  went, 

their  fear  on  them  did  light. 

Z    2 


PSALM  V 

o  lie  spread  a  cloud  for  covering, 
and  fire  to  shine  by  night. 

40  They  ask'd,  and  he  brought  quails  :  with 

of  heav'n  he  filled  them.  [bread 

41  He  open'd  rocks,  floods  guslrd  and  ran 

in  deserts  like  a  stream. 

43  For  on  his  holy  promise  he, 

and  servant  Alirah'm,  thought, 

43  With  joy  his  people,  his  elect 

with  gladness,  forth  he  brought,. 

44  And  unto  them  the  pleasant  lands 

he  of  the  heathen  gave  : 
That  of  the  people's  labour  they 
inheritance  might  have. 

4 5  That  they  his  statutes  might  observe. 

according  to  his  word  : 
And  that  they  might  his  laws  obey* 
Give  praise  unto  the  Lord. 

PSALM    CVL 

This  Psalm  may  be  considered  as  a  supplement  to  the 
preceding.  That  exhibited  to  our  view  the  marvellous 
;  indness  of  God  to  Israel.  This  exhibits  the  fearful  re- 
bellions of  Israel  against  their  gracious  God.  We  have, 
(I)  A  Preface,  asciibing  praise  to  God,  exhibiting  com- 
fort to  his  saints  ;  and  requesting  favours  from  God ; 
ver.  1 — 5.  (2)  An  alarming  confession  or  narrative  of 
Israel's  wickedness  against  their  God,  notwithstanding 
his  marvellous  kindness  to  them  ;  in  provoking  him  at 
the  Red  sea;  ver.  6 — 12.  in  lusting  after  sensual  grati- 
iications  ;  ver.  13 — 15.  in  mutinying  against  his  vicege- 
rents ;  ver.  16 — 18.  in  worshipping  the  golden  calf  ver, 
■9 — 23.  in  murmuring  contempt  of  the  promised  land  ; 
,  :r.  24 — 27.  in  joining  with  the  Moabites  and  Midian- 
;tes,  in  the  worship  of  Baal-Peor  ;  ver.  28 — 31.  in  quar- 
relling with  Moses  at  Kadeth  ;  ver.  32 — 33.  in  incor- 
porating themselves  with  the  Canaanites,  and  imitating 


PSALM    CVI. 

their  idolatrous  and  cruel  customs  ;  ver.  34 — 39.  (3) 
An  affecting  view  of  God's  great  compassion  to  Israel, 
notwithstanding  they  had  provoked  him  to  inflict  sore  and 
almost  destructive  punishments  upon  them  ;  ver.  40— 
46.  (4)  An  affectionate  improvement  of  his  kindness, 
in  imploring  his  powerful  deliverance,  and  ascription  cf 
endless  praises  to  his  name  ;  ver.  47 — 48. 

While  I  sing,  let  my  soul  be  deeply  affected  with  the 
dreadful  nature  of  sin,  and  with  men's  obstinacy,  nay, 
mine  own  obstinacy  therein.  Let  me,  with  amazement, 
behold  the  unbounded  mercy  of  God  to  men  ;  and  that 
where  sin  hath  abounded,  grate  doth  much  more  abounti. 

GIVE  praise  and  thanks  unto  the  Lord, 
for  bountiful  is  he  ; 
His  tender  mercy  doth  endure 
unto  eternity. 

2  God's  mighty  works  who  can  express  ? 

or  shew  forth  all  his  praise  ? 

3  Blessed  are  they  that  judgment  keep, 

and  justly  do  always. 

4  Remember  me,  Lord,  with  that  lovs 

which  thou  to  thine  dost  bear  ; 
With  thy  salvation,  O  my  God, 
to  visit  me  draw  near  : 

5  That  I  thy  chosen's  good  may  see* 

and  in  their  joy  rejoice  : 
And  may  with  thine  inheritance 
triumph  with  cheerful  voice. 

6  We  with  our  fathers  sinned  have, 

and  of  iniquity 
Too  loug  we  have  the  workers  been, 
we  have  done  wickedly. 

7  The  wonders  great,  which  thou,  O  LoM, 

didst  work  in  Egypt  land, 
Our  fathers,  though  they  saw,  yet  them 
they  did  not  understand  : 


272  PSALM   CVI. 

And  they  thy  mercies'  multitude 

kept  not  in  memory, 
But  at  the  sea,  ev?n  the  Red  sea) 

provoked  him  grievously. 

8  Nevertheless  he  saved  them, 

ev'n  for  his  own  name's  sake  ; 
That  so  he  might  to  be  well  known 
his  mighty  power  make. 

9  When  he  the  Red  sea  did  rebuke, 

then  dried  up  it  was  : 
Through  depths,  as  through  the  wilderness*, 
he  safely  made  them  pass. 

10  From  hands  of  those  that  hated  them 

he  did  his  people  save  : 
And  from  th?  en'my's  cruel  hand 
to  them  redemption  gave. 

11  The  waters  overwhelmed  their  foes  ; 

not  one  was  left  alive. 
IS  Then  they  believ'd  his  word,  and  praise 
to  him  in  songs  did  give. 

13  But  soon  did  they  his  mighty  works 

forget  unthankfully, 
And  on  his  counsel  and  his  will 
did  not  wait  patiently  : 

14  But  much  did  lust  in  wilderness, 

and  God  in  desert  tempt. 

15  He  gave  them  what  they  sought,   Kut  to 

their  soul  he  leanness  sent. 

16  And  against  Moses,  in  the  camp,  \ 

their  envy  did  appear  ; 
At  Aaron  they,  the  saint  of  God, 
envious  also  were. 

17  Therefore  the  earth  did  open  wide, 

and  Dathan  did  devour, 


PSALM    CVI.  373 

And  all  Abiranvs  company 
did  cover  in  that  hour. 

18  Likewise  among  their  company 

a  fire  was  kindled  then  ; 
And  so  the  hot  consuming  flame, 
burnt  up  those  wicked  men. 

19  Upon  the  hill  of  Horeb  they 

an  idol  calf  did  frame. 
A  molten  image  they  did  make, 

and  worshipped  the  same. 
30  And  thus  their  glory,   and  their  (rod, 

most  vainly  changed  they 
Into  the  likeness  of  an  ox 

that  eateth  grass  or  hay. 

"21  They  did  forget  the  mighty  God, 
that  had  their  Saviour  been, 
By  whom  such  great  things  brought  to  pass 
they  had  in  Egypt  seen. 
£2  In  Ham's  land  he  did  wondrous  works  ; 
things  terrible  did  he, 
When  he  his  mighty  hand  and  arm 
stretch' d  out  at  the  Red  sea. 

%o  Then  said  he,  he  would  them  destroy, 

had  not,  his  wrath  to  stay, 
His  chosen  Moses  stood  in  breach, 

that  them  he  should  not  slay. 
&1  Yea,  they  despis'd  the  pleasant  land, 

believed  not  his  word  : 
25  But  in  their  tents  they  murmured, 

not  heark'ning  to  the  Lord. 
28  Therefore  in  desert,  them  to  slay, 

he  lifted  up  his  hand  : 
%7  "Mong  nations  to  o'er  throw  their  seed, 

aud  scatter  in  each  laud. 


274  PSALM     CVI: 

£8  They  unto  Baal-peor  did 

themselves  associate ; 
The  sacrifices  of  the  dead 

they  did  profanely  eat. 
-29  Thus,  by  their  lewd  invention's, 

they  did  provoke  his  ire  ; 
And  then  upon  them  suddenly 

the  plague  brake  in  as  fire. 
30  Then  Phineas  rose,  and  justice  did  ; 

and  so  the  plague  did  cease  $ 
Si  That  to  all  a«;es  counted  was 

to  him  for  righteousness. 

32  And  at  the  waters  where  they  strove.; 

they  did  him  angry  make, 
In  such  sort,  that  it  fared  ill 
with  Moses  for  their  sake  : 

33  Because  they  there  his  spirit  meek 

provoked  bitterly, 
So  that  he  utter'd  with  his  lips 
words  unadvisedly. 

34  Nor,  as  the  Lord  commanded  them, 

did  they  the  nations  slay  : 

35  But  with  the  heathen  mingled  were, 

and  learn'd  of  them  their  way. 

36  And  they  their  idols  serv'd  which  did 

a  snare  unto  them  turn. 

37  Their  sons  and  daughters  they  to  devils 

in  sacrifice  did  burn. 

38  In  their  own  children's  guiltless  blood 

their  hands  they  did  imbrue, 
Whom  to  Canaan's  idols  they 

for  sacrifices  slew  : 
So  was  the  land  defil'd  with  blood. 
£9       They  stain'd  with  their  own  way, 


PSALM    CVIf.  £75 

And  with  their  own  inventions 
a  whoring  they  did  stray. 

40  Against  his  people  kindled  was 

the  wrath  of  God  therefore, 
Insomuch  that  he  did  his  own 
inheritance  abhor. 

41  He  gave  them  to  the  heathen's  hand  ; 

their  foes  did  them  command. 

42  Their  en'mies  them  oppressed,  they  were 

made  subject  to  their  hand. 

43  He  many  times  deliver  d  them  : 

but  with  their  counsel  so 
They  him  provok'd,  that  for  their  sin 
they  were  brought  very  low. 

44  Yet  their  affliction  he  beheld, 

when  he  did  hear  their  cry  : 
41  And  h<»  for  them  his  covenant 
did  call  to  memory  : 

After  his  mercies'  multitude 

46  He  did  repent  :  and  made 
Them  to  be  pity'd  of  all  those 

who  did  them  captive  lead. 

47  O  Lord  our  God,  us  save,  and  gather 

the  heathen  from  among, 
That  we  thy  holy  name  may  praise 
in  a  triumphant  song. 

48  Bless'd  be  Jehovah,  IsreFs  God, 

to  all  eternity  : 
Let  all  the  people  say,  Amen. 
Praise  to  the  Lord  £;ive  ve. 

PSALM    CVII. 

This  Ps&!m  may  be  considered  as  an  appendix  to  the 
f\vo   foregoing.     Those    represented  the   providence    of 


J 


276  PSALM    CVII. 

God,  towards  his  chosen  Israelites,  who  prefigured  his 
gospel  church.  This  (1)  represents  the  providences  of 
God  to  the  children  of  men  in  general,  and  calls  them 
to  praise  him  for  his  kindness  and  mercy  therein  :  Parti- 
cularly, 1 .  In  directing  and  gathering  travellers,  whom 
he  had  justly  dispersed:  ver.  i — 7.  2.  In  delivering  pri- 
soners whom  he  had  justly  confined  :  ver.  8 — 14.  3.  In 
healing  the  sick,  whom  he  had  justly  plagued;  ver.  15 — 
22.  4.  In  relieving  mariners  whom  he  had  justly  bestorm- 
ed  ;  ver.  23 — 30.  5.  In  changing  the  condition  of  territo- 
ries, persons,  and  families,  at  his- pleasure,  to  the  com- 
fort of  his  people,  and  the  restraining  of  wickedness  ;  ver. 
31 — 42.  (2)  It  encourageth  men  to  a  careful  observation 
of  God's   providences  j  ver.  43. 

Let  me  sing  this,  with  a  heart  deeply  affected  with 
the  various  providences  of  God  towards  myself  and  oth- 
ers, while  we  have  walked  by  the  way  ;  been  confined 
in  prisons  ;  or  lain  on  beds  of  languishing  ;  traversed  the 
surface  of  the  depths,  or  laboured  in  our  respective  em- 
ployments. Let  me  be  a  careful  observer  of  providences, 
and  compare  them  with  the  oracles  of  God,  with  my  be- 
haviour, and  my  prayers,  and  with  one  another.  So 
shall  I  understand  the  loving  kindness  of  the  Lord. 

PRAISE  God,  for  he  is  good  :  for  still 
his  mercies  lasting  be. 
S  Let  God's  redeem'd  say  so,  whom  he 
from  th?  cn'my's  hand  did  free  : 

3  And  gathered  them  out  of  the  lands, 

from  north,  south,  east,  and  west. 

4  They  stray'd  in  desert's  pathless  way, 

no  city  found  to  rest. 

5  For  thirst  and  hunger  in  them  faints 

G       Their  soul.     When  straits  them  press. 
They  ery  unto  the  Lord,  and  he 
them  frees  from  their  distress. 
7  Them  also  in  a  way  to  walk 
that  right  is  he  did  guide, 


PSALM   CVIl 

flTfeat  they  might  to  a  city  go, 
wherein  they  might  abide. 

8  O  that  men  to  the  Lord  would  give 

praise  for  his  goodness  then, 
And  for  his  works  of  wonder  done 
unto  the  sons  of  men ! 

9  For  he  the  soul  that  longing  is, 

doth  fully  satisfy  ; 
With  goodness  he  the  hungry  soul 
doth  fill  abundantly. 

10  Such  as  shut  up  in  darkness  deep, 

and  in  death's  shade  abide  ; 
"Whom  strongly  hath  affliction  bound^ 
and  irons  fast  have  ty'd  : 

11  (Because  against  the  words  of  God 

they  wrought  rebelliously  ; 
And  they  the  counsel  did  contemn 
of  him  that  is  most  High.) 

12  Their  heart  he  did  bring  down  with  grief, 

they  fell,  no  help  could  have. 

13  In  trouble  then  they  cry'd  to  God, 

he  them  from  straits  did  save. 
14?  He  out  of  darkness  did  them  bring, 
and  from  death's  shade  them  take  ; 
Those  bands   wherewith   they  had  been, 
asunder  quite  he  brake.  (bound^ 

15  O  that  men  to  the  Lord  would  give 

praise  for  his  goodness  then, 
And  for  his  works  of  wonder  done 
unto  the  sons  of  men  ! 

16  Because  the  mighty  gates  of  brasa 

in  pieces  he  did  tear  ; 

By  him  in  sunder  also  cut 

the  bars  of  iron  were. 


278  PSALM   CVII. 

17  Fools,  for  their  sin  and  their  offence, 

do  sore  affliction  bear. 

18  All  kind  of  meat  their  soul  abhors  ; 

they  to  death's  gates  draw  near. 

19  In  grief  they  cry  to  God  ;  he  saves 

them  from  their  miseries. 
MO  He  sends  his  word,  them  heals,  and  them 
from  their  destructions  frees. 

21  O  that  men  to  the  Lord  would  give 

praise  for  his  goodness  then, 
And  for  his  works  of  wonder  done 
unto  the  sons  of  men  ! 

22  And  let  them  sacrifice  to  him 

offerings  of  thankfulness ; 
And  let  them  shew  abroad  his  works 
in  songs  of  joyfulness. 

23  Who  go  to  sea  in  ships,  and  in 

great  waters  trading  be, 

24  Within  the  deep  these  men  God's  works 

and  his  great  wonders  see. 

20  For  he  commands,  and  forth  in  haste 

the  stormy  tempest  flies, 
Which  makes  the  sea  with  rolling  waves 
aloft  to  swell  and  rise. 

26  They  mount  to  heav'n,  then  to  the  depths 

they  do  go  down  again  ; 
Their  soul  doth  faint  and  melt  away, 
with  trouble  and  with  pain. 

27  They  reel  and  ptfcgger  like  one  drunk* 

at  their  wits'  end  they  be  : 

28  Then  they  to  God  in  trouble  cry, 

who  them  from  straits  doth  free* 

29  The  storm  is  chana'd  into  a  calm. 

at  his-  command  and  will  ; 


PSALM    CVft.  270 

So  that  the  waves  which  rag'd  before 
now  quiet  are  and  still. 

30  Then  are  they  glad  because  at  rest 

and  quiet  now  they  be  ; 
So  to  the  haven  he  them  brings, 
which  they  desir'd  to  see. 

31  O  that  men  to  the  Lord  would  give 

praise  for  his  goodness  then, 
And  for  his  works  of  wonder  done 
unto  the  sons  of  men  ! 

32  Among  the  people  gathered, 

let  them  e^alt  his  name  ; 
Among  assembled  elders  spread 
his  most  renowned  fame. 

33  He  to  dry  land  turns  water-springs  f 

and  floods  to  wilderness  ; 

34  For  sins  of  those  that  dwell  therein 

fat  land  to  barrenness. 
3#  The  burnt  and  parched  wilderness 
to  water-pools  he  brings  ; 
The  ground  that  was  dry'd  up  beforet 
he  turns  to  water- springs. 

36  And  there,  for  dwelling,  he  a  place 

doth  to  the  hungry  give, 
That  they  a  city  may  prepare 

commodiously  to  live. 
:37  There  sow  they  fields,  and  vineyards  plant, 

to  yield  fruits  of  increase.  * 

38  His  blessing  makes  them  multiply. 

lets  not  their  beasts  decrease. 

39  Again  they  are  diminished, 

and  very  low  brought  down. 
Through  sorrow  and  affliction/ 
and  great  oppression. 


280  PSALM    CVIII. 

40  He  upon  princes  pours  contempt 

and  causeth  them  to  stray, 
And  wander  in  a  wilderness 
wherein  there  is  no  way. 

41  Yet  setteth  lie  the  poor  on  high 

from  all  his  miseries, 
And  he,  much  like  unto  a  flock, 
doth  make  him  families. 

42  They  that  are  righteous  shall  rejoice  ♦ 

when  they  the  same  shall  see  ; 
And,  as  ashamed,  stop  her  mouth 
shall  all  iniquity. 

43  Whoso  is  wise,  and  will  these  things* 

observe,  and  them  record, 
Ev?n  they  shall  understand  the  love 
and  kindness  of  the  Lord. 

PSALM   CVIII. 

A  Song  or  Psalm  of  Da  vid. 

The  first  five  verses  of  this  Psalm  are  taken  from  Psalm 
ML  7 — 12  and  contain  praises  and  thanksgiving  to  God. 
The  other  eight  are  taken  from  Psalm  lx.  5 — 12.  and 
contain  prayers  for,  and  hopes  of  promised  mercies. 

Never  scruple,  my  soul,  to  think,  or  to  sing,  or  to 
pray  over,  the  same  subjects  of  importance ;  but  let  there 
be  always  a  newness  of  affection,  newness  of  spiritual 
vigour. 

MY  heart  is  fix'd,  Lord ;  I  will  sing, 
and  with  my  glory  praise. 

2  Awake  up,  psaltery  and  harp  ; 

myself  I'll  early  raise. 

3  I'll  praise  thee  'mong  the  people,  Lo  rd  ; 

rmohg  nations  sing  will  I : 

4  For  above  heav'n  thy  mercy's  great, 

thy  truth  doth  reach  the  sky. 


PSALM    CVIII.  28 i 

5  Be  thou  above  the  heavens*  Lord, 

exalted  gloriously  : 
Thy  glory  all  the  earth  above 
be  lifted  up  on  high. 

6  That  those  who  thy  beloved  are 

delivered  may  be  : 
O  do  thou  save  with  thy  right  hand, 
and  answer  give  to  me. 

7  God  in  his  holiness  hath  said, 

herein  I  will  take  pleasure, 
Shechem  I  will  divide,  and  forth 
will  Succoth's  valley  measure. 

8  Gilead  I  claim  as  mine  by  right : 

Manasseh  mine  shall  be  ; 
Ephraim  is  of  my  head  the  strength  ? 
Judah  gives  laws  for  me. 

9  MoaVs  my  washing  pot ;  my  shoe 

I'll  over  Bdom  throw  r 
Over  the  land  of  Palestine 
I  will  in  triumph  go. 

10  0  who  is  he  will  bring  me  to 

the  city  fortify ?d  ? 
0  who  is  he  that  to  the  land 
of  Edom  will  me  guide  ? 

1 1  0  God,'  thou  who  hadst  cast  us  off, 

this  thing  wilt  thou  not  do  ? 
And  wilt  not  thou,  ev^n  thou,  O  God^ 
forth  with  our  armies  go  ? 
i%  Do  thou  from  trouble  give  us  help  ; 

for  helpless  is  man's  aid. 
13  Through  God  we  shall  do  valiantly^ 
our  foes  he  shall  down  tread 
A  a  2. 


:  ^82  ) 

PSALM   CIX. 

To. the  chief  Musician.     A  Psalm  of  David. 

Probably  David  penned  this  Psalm,  with  a  view  to  Do- 
e£  or  Ahitophel ;  and  hence  it  is  much  like  the  41st,  52d, 
55th,  124th,  and  140th.  But  the  Holy  Ghost  herein  hath  a 
mediate  respect  to  Jesus  and  to  Judas  the  traitor  ;  Acts  i. 
20.  Observe,  (1)  the  Psalmist's  bitter  complaints  of 
his  enemies  as  spiteful,  deceitful,  false,  restless,  unjust, 
ungrateful;  ver.  1 — 5.  (2)  His  fearful  denunciations  of 
divine  vengeance  against  his  distinguished  foe  ;  that  ho 
should  be  delivered  into  the  hand  of  Satan  ;  should  have 
his  prayers  rejected,  his  life  shortened,  his  subtsance 
wasted,  and  his  posterity  rendered  .miserable ;  ver.  ,6 
— 20.  (3)  His  lamentation  over  his  inward  trouble,  his 
approaching  death,  his  instability  of  condition,  pining 
sickness,  reproach  of  enemies  ;  and  his  prayers  for  mer- 
cy to  himself,  confusion  to  his  enemies,  and  glory  to  his 
God;  ver.  21 — 29.  (4)  His  triumph  in  God,  as  his 
supporter  and  deliverer  amidst  all  his  troubles  ;  ver.  30, 
31. 

While  I  sing,  let  me  be  affected  with  the  sufferings  of 
my  Redeemer,  and  with  the  misery  of  these  Jews  and 
others,  who  abandon  themselves  to  be  his  obstinate  op- 
posers.  Let  me  implore,  and  by  faith  foresee  the  com. 
plete  ruin  of  all  my  spiritual  enemies  ;  and  the  full  re- 
demption of  my  soul,  and  of  the  whole  mystical  body  of 
Christ,  notwithstanding  all  our  sinful  poverty  and  plagued. 

OTHOU  the  God  of  all  my  praise, 
do  thou  not  hold  thy  peace  ; 
%  For  mouths  of  wicked  men  to  speak 
against  me  do  not  cease. 
The  mouths  of  vile  deceitful  men 

against  me  open'd  he  : 
And  with  a  false  and  lying  tong;ue 
they  have  accused  me. 

Q  They  did  heset  me  round  ahout 
with  words  of  hateful  spite  :;. 


PSALM    CIX.  28# 

And  though  to  them  no  cause  I  gave, 
against  me  they  did  fight. 

4  They  for  my  love  became  my  foes  ; 

but  I  me  set  to  pray. 

5  Evil  for  good,  hatred  for  love, 

to  me  they  did  repay. 
$3  Set  thou  the  wicked  over  him, 
and  upon  his  right  hand 
Give  thou  his  greatest  enemy, 
ev?n  Satan,  leave  to  stand. 

7  And  when  by  thee  he  shall  be  judg?d$ 

let  him  condemned  be  ; 
And  let  his  pray'r  be  turned  to  sin^ 
when  he  shall  call  on  thee. 

8  Few  be  his  days,  and  in  his  room 

his  charge  another  take. 

9  His  children  let  be  fatherless, 

his  wife  a  widow  make. 

10  His  children  let  be  vagabonds^ 

and  beg  continually ; 
And,  from  their  places  desolate, 
seek  bread  for  their  supply. 

11  Let  covetous  extortioners 

catch  all  he  hath  away  : 
Of  all  for  which  he  laboured  hath 
let  strangers  make  a  prey. 
1%  Let  there  be  none  to  pity  him  : 
let  there  be  none  at  all 
That  on  his  children  fatherless 
will  let  his  mercy  fall. 
13  Let  his  posterity  from  earth 
cut  off  for  ever  be, 
And  in  the  following  age  their  name 
be  blotted  out  by  thee. 


m  psalm  cixr* 

14?  Let  God  his  fathers  wickedness, 
still  to  remembrance  call  : 
And  never  let  his  mother's  sin 
be  blotted  out  at  all. 

15  But  let  them  all  before  the  Lord 

appear  continually, 
That  he  may  wholly  from  the  earth 
cut  off  their  memory. 

16  Because  he  mercy  minded  not, 

but  persecuted  still 
The  poor  and  needy,  that  he  might 
the  broken-hearted  kill. 

17  As  he  in  cursing  pleasure  took, 

so  let  it  to  him  fall : 
As  he  delighted  not  to  bless, 
so  bless  him  not  at  all. 

18  As  cursing  he  like  clothes  put  on, 

into  his  bowels  so, 
Like  water,  and  into  his  bones, 
like  oil,  down  let  it  go. 

19  Like  to  the  garment  let  it  be 

which  doth  himself  array, 
And  for  a  girdle  wherewith  he 
is  girt  about  alway. 

20  From  God  let  this  be  their  reward 

that  en'mies  are  to  me, 
And  their  reward  that  speak  against 
my  soul  maliciously. 
SI  But  do,  thou,  for  thine  own  name's  sakfej 
O  God  the  Lord,  for  me  : 
Sith  good  and  sweet  thy  mercy  is, 
from  trouble  set  me  free, 
£&  For  I  am  poor  and  indigent, 
afflicted  sore  am  I, 


PSALM    (SIX.  285 

My  heart  within  me  also  is 

wounded  exceedingly. 
23  I  pass  like  a  declining  shade, 

am  like  the  locust  tost. 
34  My  knees  through  fasting  weaken' d  arfc, 

my  ilesh  hath  fatness  lost. 
85  I  also  am  a  vile  reproach 

unto  them  made  to  be  : 
And  they  that  did  upon  me  look 

did  shake  their  heads  at  me. 

2<3  0  do  thou  help  and  succour  me, 
who  art  my  God  and  Lord : 
And,  for  thy  tender  mercy's  sake, 
safety  to  me  afford  : 
£7  That  thereby  they  may  know  that  this 
is  thy  almighty  hand  : 
And  that  thou,  Lord,  hast  done  the  same, 
they  may  well  understand. 

28  Although  they  curse  with  spite,  yet  Lor<}, 

bless  thou  with  loving  voice  : 
Let  them  asham'd  be  when  they  rise  .' 
thy  servant  let  rejoice. 

29  Let  thou  mine  adversaries  all 

with  shame  be  clothed  over ; 
And  let  their  own  confusion 

them,  as  a  mantle,  cover.  ' 

30  But  as  for  me,  I  with  my  mouth 

will  greatly  praise  the  Lord ; 
And  I  among  the  multitude 
his  praises  will  record. 

31  For  he  shall  stand  at  his  right  hand 

who  is  in  poverty, 
To  save  him  from  all  those  that  would 
condemn  his  soul  to  die* 


(  -286     ) 

PSALM   CX. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 

This  Psalm  relates  wholly  to  Jesus  Christ,  and  re-* 
presents  him,  (l)  In  hjs  glorious  offices,  as  a  Prophet* 
gathering  the  nations  by  the  proclamations  of  his  gosj>elj 
the  rod  of  his  strength  ;  ver.  2,  3.  as  our  great  High- 
Priest  ;  ver.  4.  and  as  our  exalted,  victorious,  and  gov- 
erning King;  ver.  2,  3,  5,  6.  (2)  In  his  diversified 
states  of  debasement  and  exaltation  ;  ver.  7,   1,5. 

While  I  sing,  let  mine  eyes  be  fixed,  wholly  fixed,  on 
my  glorious  Redeemer.  JBehold  !  how,  having  by  him- 
self purged  our  sins,  he  sat  down  on  the  right  hand  of 
the  Majesty  on  high  !  Behold  him,  by  the  word  of  his 
grace,  subduing  multitudes  of  sinful  men  to  himself! 
Behold  him  able  to  save  to  the  uttermost,  because  he  ev- 
er liveth  to  make  intercession  for  us.  And  let  my  mouth 
be  filled  with  hallelujahs  and  hosannas  in  the  highest,  to 
Him,  who  by  water  and  blood,  cometh  in  the  name  of 
Lord  to  save  me. 

THE  Lord  did  say  unto  my  Lord, 
sit  thou  at  my  right  hand, 
Until  I  make  thy  foes  a  stool, 
whereon  thy  feet  may  stand. 
2  The  Lord  shall  out  of  Zion  send 
the  rod  of  thy  great  pow'r  : 
In  midst  of  all  thine  enemies 
be  thou  the  governor. 

8  A  willing  people,  in  thy  day 
of  pow'r,  shall  come  to  thee, 
In  holy  beauties  from  morn's  womb  ■: 
thy  youth  like  dew  shall  be. 
4  The  Lord  himself  hath  made  an  oatL, 
and  will  repent  him  never, 
Of  th?  order  of  Melchizedek 
thou  art  a  priest  for  ever. 


PSALM   CXI.  ^7 

5  The  glorious  and  mighty  Lord, 

that  sits  at  thy  right  hand, 
Shall,  in  his  day  of  wrath,  strike  through 
kings  that  do  him  withstand. 

6  He  shall  among  the  heathen  judge, 

he  shall  with  bodies  dead 
The  places  fill  :  o'er  many  lands 
he  wound  shall  ev'ry  head. 

f  The  brook  that  runneth  in  the  way 
with  drink  shall  him  supply  : 
And,  for  this  cause,  in  triumph  he 
shall  lift  his  head  on  high. 

PSALM    CXI. 

In  this  Psalm,  every  sentence  of  which  begins  with  a 
new  letter  of  the  Hebrew  alphabet,  we  have,  (1)  The 
praising  of  God  inculcated  and  exemplified  ;  ver.  I.  (2) 
The  grounds  of  praise  exhibited,  viz.  that  God  himself 
is  gracious  and  full  of  compassion,  and  ever  mindful  of 
his  covenant ;  and  that  his  works  are  magnificent,  plea- 
sant, righteous,  wonderful,  perfect,  kind,  prudent,  and 
durable  ;  and  all  conformed  to  his  promise  and  covenant ; 
ver,  2 — 9.  (3)  A  recommendation  of  a  holy  and  reve- 
rential obedience  to  God,  as  the  beginning  of  wisdom ; 
ver.  10. 

While  I  sing,  let  my  heart  be  all  inflamed  with  the 
believing  consideration  of  the  marvellous  works  of  re- 
demption, as  wrought  for  and  on  my  soul ;  all  filled  with 
that  love,  which  casteth  out  slavish  fear,  but  powerfully 
promotes  the  filial  reverence  and  awe  of  God. 

PRAISE  ye  the  Lord.     With  my  whole 
I  will  God's  praise  declare,  [heart 

Where  the  assemhlies  of  the  just 
and  congregations  are. 
£  The  whole  works  of  the  Lord  our  GoiJ, 
are  great  above  all  measure. 


288  PSALM    CXII. 

Sought  out  they  are  of  ev*ry  one 
that  doth  therein  take  pleasure. 

3  His  work  most  honourable  is, 

most  glorious  and  pure  : 
And  his  untainted  righteousness 
for  ever  doth  endure. 

4  His  works  most  wonderful  he  hath 

made  to  be  thought  upon  : 
The  Lord  is  gracious,  and  he  is* 

full  of  compassion. 
&  He  giveth  meat  unto  all  those 

that  truly  do  him  fear  : 
And  evermore  his  covenant 

he  in  his  mind  will  bear. 

6  He  did  the  power  of  his  works 

unto  his  people  show, 
When  he  the  heathen's  heritage 
upon  them  did  bestow. 

7  His  handy- works  are  truth  and  right : 

all  his  commands  are  sure. 

8  And  done  in  truth  and  uprightness, 

they  evermore  endure. 

9  He  sent  redemption  to  his  folk, 

his  covenant  for  aye 
He  did  command  :  holy  his  name 
and  rev'rend  is  alway. 

10  Wisdom's  beginning  is  God's  fear  : 

good  understanding  they 
Have  all,  that  his  commands  fulfil : 
his  praise  endures  for  aye. 

PSALM    CXII. 

This  Psalm  is  also  alphabetically  composed,  and  con- 
tains, (I)  Invitations  to  praise  God;  *er.  1.  ..  (2)  Ade- 


PSALM    CXII.  289 

iioOfttion  of  the  saints'  character  and  blessedness  :  that 
they  are  well  principled,  honest,  sincere,  and  kind  ;  and 
f^iall  be  blessed  with  prosperity,  outward  and  inward, 
with  comfort  amidst  griefs,  wisdom  amidst  perplexity ; 
and  with  honour  and  stability ;  and  shall  have  their  pos- 
terity blessed  after  them ;  ver.  2—9.  (3)  The  misery 
of  the  wicked  ;  ver.  1 0. 

While  I  sing  this,  let  me  try  my  character,  and  rejoice 
in  hope  of  being  blessed  in  Christ  Jesus,  with  all  spirit 
tual,  temporal,  and  everlasting  blessings. 

PRAISE  ye  the  Lord.  The  man  is  bless'd 
that  fears  the  Lord  aright, 
He  who  in  his  commandements 
doth  greatly  take  delight. 

2  His  seed  and  offspring  powerful 

shall  be  the  earth  upon  : 
Of  upright  men  blessed  shall  be 
the  generation. 

3  Riches  and  wealth  shall  ever  be 

within  his  house  in  store  : 
And  his  unspotted  righteousness 

endures  for  evermore. 
$  Unto  the  upright  light  doth  rise, 

though  he  in  darkness  be ; 
Compassionate,  and  merciful, 

and  righteous,  is  he. 

r5  A  good  man  doth  his  favour  shew?  ..„ 
and  doth  to  others  lend ; 
He  with  discretion  his  affairs 
will  guide  unto  the  end. 
6  Surely  there  is  not  any  thing 
that  ever  shall  him  move  : 
The  righteous  man's  memorial 
shall  everlasting  prove. 

B  b 


AS  PSALM   CXIII. 

7  When  be  shall  evil  tidings  hear, 
he  shall  not  be  afraid  : 
His  heart  is  fix'd,  his  confidence 
upon  the  Lord  is  stayed. 
B  His  heart  is  firmly  Established, 
afraid  he  shall  not  be, 
Until  upon  his  enemies 
he  his  desire  shall  see. 

9  He  hath  dispersed,   giv'n  to  the  poor  ^ 

his  righteousness  shall  be 
To  ages  all ;  with  honour  shall 
his  horn  be  raised  high. 

10  The  wicked  shall  it  see,  and  fret ; 

his  teeth  gnash,  melt  away  : 
What  wicked  men  do  most  desire 
shall  utterly  decay, 

PSALM  CXUL 

This  Psalm,  with  the  five  immediately  following,  were 
called  the  great  Hallelujah,  and  used  to  be  sung  at 
the  passover-supper ;  Matt.  xxvi.  SO.  Here,  (1)  We  are 
solemnly  called  to  celebrate  the  praises  of  God  ;  ver.  I 
— 3.  (2)  We  are  plentifully  furnished  with  matter  of 
praise ;  viz.  the  heights  of  his  glory  and  greatness,  and 
the  depths  of  his  condescension  and  grace  ;  ver.  4 — 9. 

Think,  O  my  soul,  what  the  Lord  hath  done  for  me, 
and  for  mine,  and  for  mankind  i 

PRAISE  God.     Ye  servants  of  the  Lord, 
O  praise,  the  Lord's  name  praise. 

2  Yea,  blessed  be  the  name  of  God 

from  this  time  forth  always. 

3  From  rising  sun  to  where  it  sets, 

God's  name,  is  to  be  prais'd. 
$  Above  all  nations  God  is  high* 
'bove  heav'ns  his  glory  rais'd. 


PSALM    CXIV\  E9i 

5  Unto  the  Lord  our  God,  that  dwells 

on  high,  who  can  compare  ? 

6  Himself  that  humhleth  things  to  see 

in  heav'n  and  earth  that  are  ? 

7  He  from  the  dust  doth  raise  the  poor> 

that  very  low  doth  lie  ; 
And  from  the  dunghill  lifts  the  man 
oppressed  with  poverty : 

8  That  he  may  highly  him  advance, 

and  with  the  princes  set ; 
With  those  that  of  his  people  are 
the  chief,  ev'n  princes  great. 

9  The  barren  woman  house  to  keep 

he  maketh,  and  to  be 
Of  sons  a  mother  full  of  joy. 
Praise  to  the  Lord  give  ye. 

PSALM  CXIV. 

In  this  Psalm  are  celebrated,  (1)  God's  bringing  Isra- 
el out  of  their  Egyptian  slavery  ;  ver.  1.  (2)  His  setting' 
up  his  tabernacle  among  them,  and  taking  them  for  his 
peculiar  people  ;  ver.  2.  (3)  His  dividing  the  Red  sea 
and  Jordan  before  them ;  ver.  3,  5.  (4)  His  awful  de- 
scent on  Mount  Sinai,  to  give  them  his  law ;  ver.  4,  6,j 
7.  (5)  His  providing  them  with  water  from  the  flinty, 
rock  ;  ver.  8. 

While  I  sing,  let  my  soul  be  affected  with  the  grace,! 
the  glory,  the  power  of  my  God  ;  and  with  the  mighty-: 
things  he  hath  done  for  men,  chiefly  in  the  work  of  our 
redemption  ;^— and  be  encouraged  to  trust  him  in  the 
greatest  straits. 

WHEN  Is'rel  out  of  Egypt  went, 
and  did  his  dwelling  change, 
When  Jacob's  house  went  out  from  thos*e 
that  were  of  language  strange  ; 


39  2  PSALM    CXV. 

2  He  Judah  did  his  sanctuary, 

his  kingdom  Is'rel  make, 

3  The  sea  it  saw  and  quickly  fled ; 

Jordan  was  driven  back. 

4  Like  rams  the  mountains,  and  like  lambs 

the  hills  skipped  to  and  fro. 

5  0  sea,  why  fledd'st  thou  ?  Jordan,  back 

why  wast  thou  driven  so  ? 
0  Ye  mountains  great  wherefore  was  it 
that  ye  did  skip  like  rams  ? 
And  wherefore  was  it  little  hills, 
that  ye  did  leap  like  lambs. 

7  0,  at  the  presence  of  the  Lord, 

earth,  tremble  thou  for  fear, 
While  as  the  presence  of  the  God 
of  Jacob  doth  appear. 

8  Who  from  the  hard  and  stony  rock 

did  standing  water  bring, 
And  by  his  pow'r  did  turn  the  flint 
into  a  water-spring. 

PSALM    CXV. 

This  Psalm  instructs  us,  (1)  To  whom  glory  and 
praise  ought  to  be  ascribed  :  not  to  ourselves  but  to  God's 
mercy  and  truth  ;  ver.  I.  not  to  lifeless,  senseless  idols, 
but  to  God,  whose  throne  is  in  the  heavens,  and  who  doeth 
whatever  he  pleaseth  ;  ver.  2 — 8,  15,  16.  (2)  How  we 
are  to  glorify  God  ;  1.  By  trusting  in  him,  crediting  his 
promise,  and  receiving  his  blessings;  ver.  9 — 15.  2. 
By  blessing  him  while  we  live  ;  ver.  17,    18. 

Learn,  my  soul,  to  deny  thyself;  to  take  up  thy  cross 
and  follow  Christ ;  and  to  keep  thyself  from  idols.  But, 
make  Jehovah,  as  reconciled  in  Christ,  thy  portion, 
thy  trust,  thy  help,  thy  shield,  thy  blessedness,  thy  com-" 
fort,  thy  praise ;  and  consider  thine  earthly  enjoyments 
as  the  gracious  gifts  of  thy  God,  and  an  earnest  of  thy 
[l&r  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory. 


PSALM    CXV.  "M 

NOT  unto  us,  Lord,  not  to  us, 
but  do  thou  glory  take 
Unto  thy  name,  ev'n  for  thy  truth, 
and  for  thy  mercy's  sake. 

2  0  wherefore  should  the  heathen  say, 

Where  is  their  God  now  gone  ? 

3  But  our  God  in  thje  heavens  is, 

what  pleas' d  him  he  hath  done. 

4»  Their  idols  silver  are  and  gold, 
work  of  men's  hands  they  be. 

5  Mouths  have  they,  but  they  do  not  speak  $ 

and  eyes,  but  do  not  see. 

6  Ears  have  they,  but  they  do  not  hear; 

noses,  but  savour  not. 

7  Hands,  feet,  but  handle  not,  nor  walk \ 

nor  speak  they  through-  their  throat 

8  Like  them  their  makers  are :  and  all 

on  them  their  trust  that  build. 

9  O  Isr'el,  trust  thou  in  the  Lord ; 

he  is  their  help  and  shield. 

10  O  Aaron's  house,  trust  in  the  Lord ; 

Their  help  and  shield  is  he. 

1 1  Ye  that  fear  God,  trust  in  the  Lord 

Their  help  and  shield  he'll  be. 
i%  The  Lord  of  us  hath  mindful  been, 
and  he  will  bless  us  still ; 
He  will  the  house  of  Isr'el  bless, 
bless  Aaron's  house  he  will. 

13  Both  small  and  great  that  fear  the  Lord* 

he  will  them  surely  bless. 

14  The  Lord  will  you,  you  and  your  seed. 

ay  more  and  more  increase. 

15  0  blessed  are  ye  of  the  Lord, 

who  made  the  earth  and  heav'n, 
Bb  2 


294  PSALM   CXVI. 

16  The  heav'n,  ev'n  heav'ns  are  God's,  but  he 

earth  to  men's  sons  hath  giv'n. 

17  The  dead,  nor  who  to  silence  go, 

God's  praise  do  not  record. 

18  But  henceforth  we  forever  will 

bless  God.     Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

PSALM   CXVI. 

This  is  a  Psalm  of  thanksgiving,  somewhat  similar  tc 
the  18th,  30th,  40th,  and  103d;  and  represents,  (1) 
The  Psalmistfs  great  distress  and  danger,  which  had  al- 
most driven  him  to  despair;  ver.  3,  10,  11.  (2)  The 
application  he  made  to  God  by  prayer,  for  relief;  and 
his  experience  of  God's  gracious  kindness,  in  granting 
his  requests  ;  in  hearing,  pitying,  and  delivering  him  ; 
ver.  1,  2,  4,  5,  6,  8.  (3)  His  sincere  and  hearty  reso- 
lution*, to  make  a  grateful  acknowledgment  of  God's 
kindness,  by  loving  him,  ver.  1.  continuing  to  call  on 
him  and  receive  from  him  ;  ver.  2,  13,  1 7.  resting  in  him  ; 
ver.  7.  walking  before  him  as  his  devoted  servant :  ver. 
9,  16.  public  confession  of  God's  tender  regard  to  him  ; 
ver.  12,  15.  and  sincere  and  public  paying  of  his  vows 
to  him  ;  ver.  10 — 19. 

While  1  sing,  let  me  think,  as  before  God,  what  of  these 
blessings,  I  have  experienced  :  what  of  these  duties  I 
have  earnestly  practised.  If  God  hath  redeemed  me  from 
the  broken  law  ;  from  the  lowest  hell ;  from  the  mouth 
of  the  infernal  lion  ;  and  from  the  power  of  my  corrupt 
lusts  ;  let  my  soul,  and  all  that  is  within  me,  be  stirred  up 
to  bless  his  holy  name  -r  and  let  me  never  lose  the  hearts- 
animating  impressions  of  his  benefits. 

1L0VE  the  Lord,  because  my  voice 
and  prayers  he  did  hear. 

2  I,  while  I  live,  will  call  on  him, 

who  bow'd  to  me  his  ear. 

3  Of  death  the  cords  and  sorrows  did 

about  me  compass  round, 
The  pains  of  hell  took  hold  on  me  f 
I  erief  and  trouble  found. 


PSALM   CXVL  29$ 

4  Upon  the  name  of  God  the  Lord 

then  did  I  call  and  say, 
Deliver  thou  my  soul,  O  Lord, 
I  do  thee  humbly  pray. 

5  God  merciful  and  righteous  is, 

yea,  gracious  is  our  Lord. 

6  God  saves  the  meek :  I  was  brought  low, 

he  did  me  help  afford. 

7  0  thou  my  soul,  do  thou  return 

unto  thy  quiet  rest : 
For  largely,  lo,  the  Lord  to  thee 
his  bounty  hath  expressed. 

8  For  my  distressed  soul  from  death 

delivered  was  by  thee ; 
Thou  didst  my  mourning  eyes  from  tears; 
my  feet  from  falling,  free. 

9  1  in  the  land  of  those  that  live 

will  walk  the  Lord  before. 

10  I  did  believe,  therefore  I  spake  v 

I  was  afflicted  sore. 
Ill  said,  when  I  was  in  my  haste, 
that  all  men  liars  be. 

12  What  shall  I  render  to  the  Lord, 

for  all  his  gifts  to  me  ? 

13  I'll  of  salvation  take  the  cup, 

on  God's  name  will  I  call. 

14  I'll  pay  my  vows  now  to  the  Lord 

before  his  people  all. 

15  Dear  in  God's  sight  is  his  saints'  deaths 

16  Thy  servant,  Lord,  am  I.  t 
Thy  servant  sure,  thine  handmaid's  son; 

my  bands  thou  didst  untie. 

17  Thank-off'rings  I  to  thee  will  give, 

and  on  God's  name  will  calL 


296  PSALM   CXVII.    CXVIIL 

18  I'll  pay  my  vows  now  to  the  Lord, 

before  his  people  all : 
49  Within  the  courts  of  Grod's  own  house* 

within  the  midst  of  thee, 
O  city  of  Jerusalem. 

Praise  to  the  Lord  give  ye. 

PSALM  CXVIL 

This  Psalm  relates  to  the  gospel  church.  Here  are, 
(1)  A  short,  "but  solemn  call,  to  the  redeemed  of  all  na- 
tions, to  praise  their  God;  ver.  I.  (2)  Rich  matter  of 
praise  suggested,  viz.  the  unbounded  mercy  and  ever- 
lasting faithfulness  of  God  ;  and  hence  the  fullness,  kind- 
ness, and  stability  of  his  covenant  promises,  and  the  ac- 
complishment thereof;  ver.  2. 

If  the  Psalm  be  short,  let  me  sing  it  in  the  full  assu- 
rance of  faith,  and  with  a  heart  ail  inflamed  with  the  lov- 
ing kindness,  and  all  enraptured  with  admiration  of  the 
goodness  of  God,  towards  men,  towards  the  Gentiles^ 
and  towards  my  soul. 

QGIVE  ye  praise  unto  the  Lord, 
all  nations  that  be  : 
kewise  ye  people  all,  accord 
his  name  to  magnify. 
%  For  great  to  us- ward  ever  are 
his  loving  kindnesses : 
His  truth  endures  for  evermore* 
The  Lord  O  do  ye  bless. 

PSALM  CXVIIL 

This  Psalm  was  probably  composed  by  David,  soon  af- 
ter his  advancement  to,  and  settlement  on  his  throne  ;  2 
Sam.  viii. — and  contains  (1)  His  earnest  exhortations  to 
persons  of  all  ranks,  offices,  and  states,  to  praise  the 
Lord,  for  his  everlasting  mercy  and  kindness;  ver.  1 — 4t. 
(2)  By  a  recital  of  the  great  and  gracious  things  which  God 
had  done  for  him,  he  eacourageth  himself  and  others  \o 


PSALM    CXVIII.  297 

trust  in  God  alone  ;  ver.  5 — 18.  (3)  His  thanksgivings 
for  God's  advancement  of  him  to  the  throne,  notwith- 
standing of  all  opposition — as  typical  of  the  exaltation  of 
Jesus  Christ ;  ver.   19-— 23.  (4)  His  and  the  priests  and 
people's  triumph  in  the  expected  prosperity  of  his  rejgn  ; 
and  of  the  flourishing  kingdom  of  Christ ;  ver.  24 — 29. 
While  I  sing,  let  my  soul  soar  aloft  to  Jesus  and  his 
sure  mercies.     Let  me  behold  him,  who  for  the  suffering 
of  death  was  made  a  little  lower  than  the  angels,  now 
crowned  with  glory  and  honour,  having  all  his  enemies 
put  under  his  feet,  but  himself  invested  with  all  power  in 
heaven  and  in  earth  ;  and  furnished  with  all  gifts  for  men, 
yea  for  the  rebellious  also,  that  God  the  Lord  may  dwell 
among  them  ;  and,  as  the  God  of  their  salvation,  daily 
load  them  with  his  benefits.     Let  me  rejoice  in  his  high- 
ness, and  have  myself,  and  all  my  services,  bound  with 
cords  to  his  altar  ;  and  God  forbid  I  should  conclude  the 
notes,  without  entering  into  the  very  marrow  of  the  sense. 
Thou  art  MY  GOD,  I'll  thee  exalt ;  MY  GOD,  I  will 
thee  praise. 

O  PRAISE  the  Lord  for  he  is  good  : 
his  mercy  lasteth  ever. 

2  Let  those  of  Israel  now  say, 

his  mercy  faileth  never. 

3  Now  let  the  house  of  Aaron  say, 

His  mercy  lasteth  ever. 

4  Let  those  that  fear  the  Lord  ndw^ay, 

His  mercy  faileth  never. 

5  I  in  distress  calPd  on  the  Lord ; 

the  Lord  did  answer  me. 
He  in  a  large  place  did  me  set ; 
from  trouble  made  me  free. 
9  The  mighty  Lord  is  on  my  side, 
I  will  not  be  afraid  j 
For  any  thing  that  man  can  do 
I  shall  not  be  dismayed. 
7  The  Lord  doth  take  my  part  with  them 
that  help  to  succour  me ) 


298  PSALM  CXVIII. 

Therefore  on  tbose  that  do  me  hate 
I  my  desire  shall  see. 

8  Better  it  is  to  trust  in  God, 

than  trust  in  man's  defence. 

9  Better  to  trust  in  God,  than  make 

princes  our  confidence. 

10  The  nations  joining  all  in  one> 

did  compass  me  about : 
But  in  the  Lord's  most  holy  name 
I  shall  them  all  root  out. 

1 1  They  compass'd  me  about ;  I  say, 

they  compass'd  me  about; 
But  in  the  Lord's  most  holy  name 
I  shall  them  all  root  out. 

\%  Like  bees  they  compass'd  me  about 
like  unto  thorns  that  flame 
They  quenched  are  :  for  the(m  shall  I 
destroy  in  God's  own  name. 

13  Thou  sore  hast  thrust,  that  I  might  fall  } 

but  my  Lord  helped  me. 

14  God  my  salvation  is  become, 

my  strength  and  song  is  he. 
id  In  dwellings  of  the  righteous 
is  heard  the  melody 
Of  joy  and  health :  the  Lord's  right  hand 
doth  ever  valiantly. 
1$  The  right  hand  of  the  mighty  Lord 
exalted  is  on  high  : 
The  right  hand  of  the  mighty  Lord 
doth  ever  valiantly. 

17  I  shall  not  die,  but  live,  and  shall 

the  works  of  God  discover. 

18  The  Lord  hath  me  chastised  sore"  £ 

but  not  to  death  giv'n  over, 


PSALM   CXlX.  -299 

J9  O  set  ye  open  unto  me 

the  gates  of  righteousness  : 
Then  will  I  enter  into  them, 
and  I  the  Lord  will  bless. 

20  This  is  the  gate  of  God,  by  it 

the  just  shall  enter  in. 

21  Thee  will  I  praise,  for  thou  me  heard'st, 

and  hast  my  safety  been. 

22  That  stone  is  made  head  corner-stone^ 

which  builders  did  despise. 

23  This  is  the  doing  of  the  Lord, 

and  wondrous  in  our  eyes. 
24<  This  is  day  God  made,  in  it 
we'll  joy  triumphantly. 

25  Save  now,  I  pray  thee,  Lord  :  I  pray 

send  now  prosperity. 

26  Blessed  is  he  in  God's  great  name 

that  cometh  us  to  save : 
We,  from  the  house  which  to  the  Lord  , 

pertains,  you  blessed  have. 
37  God  is  the  Lord,  who  unto  us 

hath  made  light  to  arise  ; 
Bind  ye  unto  the  altar's  horns, 

with  cords,  the  sacrifice. 

28  Thou  art  my  God,  I'll  thee  exalt; 

my  God,  I  will  the  praise : 

29  Give  thanks  to  God,  for  he  is  good  t 

his  mercy  lasts  always. 

.  PSALM  CXIX. 

This  Psalm  is  a  collection  of  David's  precious  thoughts, 
sorrowful  complaints,  humble  petitions,  and  holy  resolu- 
tions, which  it  seems,  he  had  written  down  as  they  occur* 
ed,  and  which  in  the  end  of  his  life,  he  digested  into  the 
form  in  which  they  now  stand  9  consisting  of  as  many  partr 


/ 

300  PSALM  CXIX. 

as  there  are  letters  in  the  Hebrew  alphabet,  the   eight 
verses  of  each  always  beginning  with  the  same  letter  iiv 
the  original.     The  general  scope  of  it  is  to  magnify  God's 
word,  and  make  it  honourable.     To  intimate  that  it  in- 
forms us  of  whatever  we  ought  to  expect  from  God  in 
the  way  of  gracious   donation,  and  of  whatever  he  may 
expect  from  us  in  the  way  of  grateful  returns  of  duty,— 
it  is  represented  under  ten  different  characters,  one  or 
other  of  which  is  to  be  found  in  every  verse,  except  the 
122dand  132d, — As  God's  LAW,  because  framed  and 
IDubiished  by  him  as  our  Sovereign ; — His  COMMAND- 
^viENTS,  because  given  with  authority  and  lodged  with 
us  as  a  trust ; — His  PRECEPTS,  because  peremptorily 
prescribed,  and  not  left  as  a  thing  indifferent ; — His  STA- 
TUTES, because  it  is  fixed  and  determined,  and  of  per- 
petual obligation  ; — His  WORD,  because  it  is  the  declara- 
tion of  his  mind,  and  Christ  his  essential  Word  is  all, 
and  in  all  therein  ; — His  WAY,  because  it  represents 
Christ,  the  Way,  the  Truth,  and  the  Life,  arid  is  the  rule 
of  our  faith  and  obedience  ; — His  TESTIMONIES,  be- 
cause thereia  God,  upon  his  word,  his  oath,  and  writ,  de- 
clares to  men  the  truths  necessary  to  be  known,  in  order 
to  his  honour  and  their  salvation,  as  ratified  in  the  death 
of  his  Son ;— His  JUDGMENTS,  because  it  is  framed 
in  infinite  wisdom,  and  by  it  we  must  both  judge  and  be 
judged;  but  in  verse  75,  84,   121,  Judgment  denotes 
righteous  conduct ;  it  is  called  his  RIGHTEOUSNESS, 
because  it  is  holy,  just,  and  good,  and  is  the  perfect  stan- 
dard of  righteousness  ; — and  his  TRUTH  or  FAITH- 
FULNESS, because  its  leading  truths  are  eternal,  and 
the  faithfulness  of  God  is  pledged  in  every  point  thereof. 
While  I  sing,  let  me  all  along  enter  into  the  spirit  of 
the  Psalm.     Let  my  delight  be  in  God's  testimonies  ;  my 
desires  after  God's  presence  ;  and  my  endeavours  to  have 
God  honoured.    Let  God's  word  be  my  rule,  my  food,  my 
armour,  my  wealth,  my  comfort ;  and  God  himself,  as 
therein  revealed  and  bestowed,  be  my  everlasting  and  infi- 
nite all. 

ALEPH.  Part  1st. 

Here,  (1)  David  marj^s  out  holy  men  as  the  only  bles- 
sed men  ;  ver.  1 — 3.  [2]  Begs  that  to  his  own  honour 
and  satisfaction,  he  may  be  helped  of  God  to  an  upright 


PSALM    CXIX. 

observance  of  his  laws  ;  ver.  4 — 6.  [3]  In  the  faith  of 
God's  direction  and  assistance,  he  resolves  to  praise  and 
obey  him  ;  ver.  7,  8. 

BLESSED  are  they  that  undefil'd, 
and  strait  are  in  the  way  ; 
Who  in  the  Lord's  most  holy  law 
do  walk,  and  do  not  stray. 

2  Blessed  are  they  who  to  observe 

his  statutes  are  inclined  ; 
And  who  do  seek  the  living  God 
with  their  whole  heart  and  mind. 

3  Such  in  his  ways  to  walk,  and  they 

do  no  iniquity. 

4  Thou  hast  commanded  us  to  keep 

thy  precepts  carefully. 
j  0  that  thy  statutes  to  observe 
thou  wouldst  my  ways  direct ! 

6  Then  shall  I  not  be  shamM,  when  I 

thy  precepts  all  respect. 

7  Then  with  integrity  of  heart 

thee  will  I  praise  and  bless, 
When  I  the  judgments  all  have  learn'd 
of  thy  pure  righteousness. 

5  That  I  will  keep  thy  statutes  all 

firmly  resolv'd  have  I  : 
O  do  not  then,  most  gracious  God, 
forsake  me  utterly. 

BETH.     Part.  2d. 

He,  [1]  Points  out  the  proper  method  of  mortifying'  lust 
and  attaining-  true  holiness  ;  ver.  9.  [2]  Professeth  his  attach- 
ment to  God  and  his  word,  and  supplicates  wisdom,  direction 
and  support ;  ver.  10 — 12.  [3]  Reflects  with  satisfaction  on  his 
former  regard  to  God's  truth  and  ways;  ver.  13,  14-.  And 
Resolve^  to  persevere  therein,  ver.  15,  16. 

C  c. 


PSALM   CXIX. 

9  By  what  means  shall  a  young  man  learn 

his  way  to  purify? 
If  lie  according  to  thy  word 
thereto  attentive  be. 

10  Unfeignedly  thee  have  I  sought 

with  all  my  soul  and  heart  : 
O  let  me  not  from  the  right  path 
of  thy  commands  depart. 

11  Thy  word  I  in  my  heart  have  hid, 

that  I  offend  not  thee. 

12  O  Lord,  thou  ever  blessed  art, 

thy  statutes  teach  thou  me. 

13  The  judgments  of  thy  mouth  each  one 

my  lips  declared  have  : 

14  More  joy  thy  testimonies  way 

than  riches  all  me  gave. 

15  I  will  thy  holy  precepts  make 

my  meditation ; 
And  carefully  I'll  have  respect 
unto  thy  ways  each  one. 

16  Upon  thy  statutes  my  delight 

shall  constantly  be  set ; 
And,  by  thy  grace,  I  never  will 
thy  holy  word  forget. 

GIMEL.     Part  3d. 

.  £1]  With  (eagerness  and  longing-s  of  heart,  he  supplicates 
divine  favour,  and  instruction  in  God's  truths;  ver.  17 — 20.  [23 
Remarks  the  just  vengeance  of  God  upon  such  as  wander  from 
his  ways  ;  ver  21.  [3}  Supplicates  preservation  from  reproach, 
as  he  observed,  meditated  on,  delighted  in,  and  consulted 
God's  word  in  all  his  conduct;  ver.  22 — 24. 

17  With  me  thy  servant,  in  thy  grace, 

deal  bountifully,  Lord ; 
That  by  thy  favour  I  may  live, 
and  duly  keep  thy  word. 


PSALM    CXIX.  311 

91  This  day  they  stand  as  thou  ordain'st: 
for  all  thy  servants  be. 
,  92  Unless  in  thy  most  perfect  law 
my  soul  delights  had  found 
I  should  have  perished,  when  as 
my  troubles  did  abound. 

93  Thy  precepts  I  will  ne'er  forget ; 

they  quickening  to  me  brought. 

94  Lord,  I  am  thine,  O  save  thou  me  : 

thy  precepts  I  have  sought. 

95  For  me  the  wicked  have  laid  wait, 

me  seeking  to  destroy; 

But  I  thy  testimonies  true 

consider  will  with  joy. 

96  An  end  of  all  perfection 

here  have  I  seen,  O  God  : 
But  as  for  thy  commandement 
it  is  exceeding  broad. 

MEM.     Part  13th. 

Represents  the  Psalmist's  ardent  affection  to  God's  lawj 
ver.  97,  because,  (1.)  Thereby  he  had  attained  much  useful 
knowledge  and  wisdom  ;  ver.  98 — 100.  (2)  Thereby  he  \va9 
enabled  to  refrain  from,  and  hates  in  ;  ver.  101,  104.  (3)  There- 
by he  was  preserved  steady  in  the  path  of  his  duty  ;  ver.  101, 
102.  (4)  Thereby  he  obtained  much  comfort  to  his  soul ;  ver. 
103. 

97  O  how  love  I  thy  law  !  it  is 

my  study  all  the  day. 

98  It  makes  me  wiser  than  my  foes  : 

for  it  doth  with  me  stay. 

99  Than  all  my  teachers  now  I  have 

more  understanding  far : 
Because  my  meditation 
thy  testimonies  are. 

100  In  understanding  I  excel 

those  that  are  ancients  : 


PSALM   CXIX, 

For  I  endeavoured  to  keep 
all  thy  commandements. 

101  My  feet  from  each  ill  way  I  stay'd 

that  I  may  keep  thy  word, 

102  I  from  thy  judgments  have  not  swerv'd : 

for  thou  hast  taught  me,  Lord. 

103  How  sweet,  unto  my  taste,  O  Lord, 

are  all  thy  words  of  truth  ! 
Yea,  I  do  find  them  sweeter  far 
than  honey  to  my  mouth. 

104  I  through  thy  precepts  that  are  pure? 

do  understanding  get :       ^ 
I  therefore  ev'ry  way  that's  false 
with  all  my  heart  do  hate. 

NUN.     Part  14th. 

Represents,  (1)  The  remarkable  usefulness  of  God's  word'; 
ver.  105.  (2)  David's  solemn  dedication  of  himself  to  God's 
service ;  ver.  106.  (3)  His  recourse  to  God  by  prayer  under 
his  afflictions;  ver.  107,  108.  (4)  His  faithful  adherence  to 
to  God's  way,  amidst  trouble  and  persecution  ;  ver.  109,  110. 
(5)  His  solemn  and  deliberate  choice  of  God's  word  for  his 
portion  and  rule  ;  ver.  Ill,  112. 

105  Thy  word  is  to  my  feet  a  lamp, 

and  to  my  path  a  light. 

106  I  sworn  have,  and  I  will  perform, 

to  keep  thy  judgments  right. 

107  I  am' with  sore  affliction 

even  overwhelmed  O  Lord  ; 
In  mercy  raise  and  quicken  me, 
according  to  thy  word. 

108  The  free  will-off?rings  of  my  mouth 

accept,  I  thee  heseech : 
And  unto  me  thy  servant,  Lord, 
thy  judgments  clearly  teach. 

109  Though  still  my  soul  be  in  my  hand; 

thy  laws  I'll  not  forget  r 


PSALM    CXIX.  §4. 

1 10  I  err'd  not  from  them,  though  for  me* 

the  wicked  snares  did  set 

111  I  of  thy  testimonies  have 

ahove  all  things  made  choice? 
To  be  my  heritage  for  ay  ; 
for  they  my  heart  rejoice. 
*  112  I  carefully  inclined  have 

my  heart  still  to  attend  ; 
That  I  thy  statutes  may  perform 
alway  unto  the  end. 

SAMECH.     Part  15th. 

We  have  here,  (1)  David's  hatred  of  sin,  and  lore  of  Godi« 
law;  ver.  113.  (2)  His  profession  of  dependence  upon  God; 
ver.  114.  (3)  His  debarring  of  wicked  men  from -his  company; 
ver.  115.  (4)  His  prayer  for  support,  comfort,  and  honour,  in 
the  Lord's"  way  ;  ver.  116,  117.  (5)  His  foresight  of,  and  trem- 
bling at  the  ruin  of  the  wicked;  ver.  118 — 120. 


113  I  hate  the  thoughts  of  vanity, 

hut  love  thy  law  do  I. 
11^  My  shield  and  hiding-place  thou  art: 
J  on  thv  word  relv. 
1 115  A\\  ye  that  evil-doers  are, 
from  me  depart  away  ; 
For  the  commandments  of  my  God 
I  purpose  to  obey. 
116  According  to  thy  faithful  word 
uphold  and  'stablish  me, 
That  I  may  live,  and  of  my  hope 
ashamed  never  be. 
*  117  Hold  thou  me  up,  so  shall  I  be 
in  peace  and  safety  still : 
And  to  thy  statutes  have  respect 
continually  I  will. 
118  Thou  tread'st  down  all  that  love  to  stray; 
false  their  deceit  doth  prove. 
Dd 


W4  PSALM    CXIX. 

119  Lewd  men  like  dross  away  thou  putt'st : 

therefore  thy  law  I,  love. 

120  For  fear  of  thee  my  very  flesh 

doth  tremble,  all  dismayed  ; 
And  of  thy  righteous  judgments,  Lord, 
my  soul  is  much  afraid. 

A  IN.  Part  16th. 
Here  David,  (1)  Appeals  to  God  for  his  integrity  and  equi- 
ty ;  ver.  121.  (2)  Supplicates  that  God  would  protect  him 
against  enemies;  grant  him  merciful  deliverance,  and  saving 
insmiction  4  and  arise  for  the.  maintenance  of  his  own  honour; 
ver.  121 — 126.  (3)  Enforces  his  requests  with  these  pleas, — 
that  he  was  God's  servant ;  and  that  he  could  no  longer  bear 
up  under  trouble  ;  ver.  122 — 125.  (4)  Professeth  his  superla- 
tive ree-ard  to  God's  law,  and  hatred  of  all  iniquity ;  ver.  127* 
128. 

121  To  all  men  I^have  judgment  donej 

performing  justice  right ; 
Then  let  me  not  be  left  unto 
my  fierce  oppressors'  might. 

122  For  good  unto  thy  servant,  Lord, 

Thy  servant's  surety  he  ; 
From  the  oppression  of  the  proud 
do  thou  deliver  me. 

123  Mine  eyes  do  fail  with  looking  long, \ 

for  thy  salvation, 
The  word  of  thy  pure  righteousnes# 

while  I  do  wait  upon. 
124<  In  mercy  with  thy  servant  deal, 

thy  laws  me  teach  and  show. 
12?  I  am  thy  servant,  wisdom  give, 

that  I  thy  laws  may  know. 

126  'Tis  time  thou  work,  Lord :  for  they  hav& 

made  void  thy  law  divine. 

127  Therefore  thy  precepts  more  1  love 

than  gold,  yea,  gold  most  fine. 

128  Concerning  all  things  thy  commands- 

all  right  I  judge  therefore  : 


PSALM   CXXIV. 

and  contains,  [1]  Earnest  longings  for,  and  believing  exj 
tations  of  merciful  deliverances  from  God  ;  ver.  1,  2.    [2]  £ 
improvement  of  great  distress,  as  "a  plea  for  speedy  and  re* 
markable  relief;  ver,  3.  4. 

While  I  sing  this,  let  me,  in  the  full  assurance  of  faith,  cry  to 
God,  for  the  mercies  which  my  own  soul,  my  family,  and  the 
church  and  nation  wherewith  I  am  connected,  so  much  need. 
Nor  let  me  accept  of  a  denial  of  my  believing  requests. 

OTHOU,  that  dwellest  in  the  heav'ns, 
I  lift  mine  eyes  to  thee. 
3  Behold,  as  servants'  eyes  do  look 
their  masters'  hand  to  see ; 
As  hand-maid's  eyes  her  mistress'  hand, 

so  do  our  ears  attend 
fclpon  the  Lord  our  God,  until 
to  us  he  mercy  send. 

3  O  Lord  to  us  be  gracious, 

unto  us  gracious  be  : 
Because  replenish 'd  with  contempt 
exceedingly  are  we. 

4  Our  soul  is  fill'd  with  scorn  of  those 

that  at  their  ease  abide, 
And  with  their  insolent  contempt 
of  those  that  swell  in  pride. 

PSALM  CXXIV. 

A  So?ig  of  Degrees  of  David. 

This  Psalm  is  highly  applicable  to  every  remarkable  deli* 
Verance  which  God  works  for  his  church,  especially  to  the 
gTeat  redemption  wroughtfor  his  people  by  Christ.  In  it,  [1}  i 
David  magnifies  the  danger  they  were  in  ;  ver.  1 — 5.  f_2]  As-  I 
cribes,  the  glory  of  their  deliverance  to  God  ;  1,  2,  6,  7.  [3J 
Improves  the  deliverance  as  an  encouragement  to  trust  in 
God  ;  ver.  8. 

Let  me  behold  JEHOVAH  as  a  present  help  in  trouble.  Let 
my  waiting  eyes  be  towards  him,  who,  notwithstanding  all  the 
combined  power  and  policy  of  hell  and  earth,  is  able  and  rea* 
dy  to  pull  my  feet  out  of  the  net. 


II 


AD  not  the  Lord  been  on  our  side, 
may  Israel  now  say ; 


PSALM  CXXIV. 

ad  not  the  Lord  been  on  our  side, 
when  nien  rose  us  to  slay : 
They  had  us  swallowed  quick,  when  as 
their  wrath  'gainst  us  did  flame : 
i?  Waters  had  covered  us,  our  soul 
had  sunk  beneath  the  stream. 

5  Then  had  the  waters,  swelling  high, 

over  our  soul  made  way. 

6  Bless'd  be  the  Lord,  who  to  their  teeth 

us  gave  not  for  a*  prey. 

7  Our  souls  escaped  as  a  bird 

out  of  the  fowlers  snare  : 
The  snare  asunder  broken  is, 
and  we  escaped  a*e. 

8  Our  sure  and  ail  sufficient  help 

is  in  Jehovah's  rikme  ; 
His  name  who  did  the  heav'n  create, 
and  who  the  earth  did  frame. 

Second  Version. 

1  1VTOW  Israel" 

J^l     may  sav,  and  that  truly 
If  that  the  JLord 

had  not  our  cause  maintain'd  : 

2  If  that  the  Lord 

had  not  our  right  sustained, 
When  cruel  men 

against  us  furiously 
Hose  up  in  wrath, 

to  make  of  us  their  prey ; 

S  Then  certainly 

they  had  devour  d  us  all, 
And  swallowed  quick, 
for  aught  that  we  could  deem ; 


7 


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$$> 


3SH 


■''■•" 


